Electrical tracking resistance compositions, methods and articles of manufacture

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to polycarbonate compositions, methods, and articles of manufacture that at least meets certain electrical tracking resistance requirements. The compositions, methods, and articles of manufacture that meet these requirements contain at least a polycarbonate; a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; and a transition metal oxide, e.g. titanium dioxide.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Indian Patent Application No.920/DEL/2011, filed Mar. 31, 2011, and which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to polycarbonate compositions, methods, andarticles of manufacture that at least meets certain electrical trackingresistance requirements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Polycarbonate (PC) and copolycarbonate resins offer many significantadvantages and are utilized for a number of different commercialapplications. Polycarbonates used for electrical applications require acombination of good flame retardancy as well as electrically insulatingproperties, such as resistance against tracking under leakage current.The char formation properties of PC, which are often enhanced by theaddition of flame retardant additives, often lead to poor trackingresistance, making the combination of these properties challenging. Inmany cases there is also a requirement for good impact properties and inparticular, impact resistance at low temperature. The use of impactmodifiers may not only impair the tracking resistance, but in many casesalso the flame retardancy. It is therefore all the more challenging tofind a material combining flame retardancy, tracking resistance and lowtemperature impact resistance and combinations thereof. Thereaccordingly remains a need in the art for products for electricalapplications for a variety of materials that provide a delicate balanceof tracking resistance, flame retardancy, and/or impact performance, anda combination thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A. Electrical Tracking Resistance/Impact

The present disclosure provides for a composition comprising: at leastone polycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide;optionally a brominated organic flame retardant; optionally afluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart adesired performance property; and optionally a carbon black containingmaterial, wherein the composition has a notched izod impact at −30° C.of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180standard with a 5.5 J hammer and further wherein the composition doesnot show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammoniumchloride at 250V according to ASTM D-3638.

The present disclosure further provides for a composition thatcomprises: at least one polycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxaneblock-co-polycarbonate; 5 to 45 wt % of a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of a transitional metal oxide; optionallya brominated organic flame retardant; optionally a fluorinatedpolyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart a desiredperformance property; and optionally a carbon black containing material,wherein the composition has a notched izod impact of at −30° C. of atleast 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180 standardwith a 5.5 J hammer and further wherein the composition does not showtracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloridesolution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638.

The present disclosure further provides for a method of controlling thetracking of an electrical current of an article of manufacturecontaining a polycarbonate containing material comprising: providing acomposition comprising at least one polycarbonate that is a not apolysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; optionally a brominatedorganic flame retardant; optionally a fluorinated polyolefin; optionallyone or more additives that impart a desired performance property; andoptionally a carbon black containing material, wherein the compositionhas a notched izod impact at −30° C. of at least 35 kilojoules per metersquared (kJ/m²) at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180 standardwith a 5.5 J hammer and further wherein the composition does not showtracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chlorideat 250V according to ASTM D-3638; and processing said polycarbonatecontaining material to form an article of manufacture.

The present disclosure further provides for articles of manufacture thatcontain the polycarbonate formulations described above.

B. Electrical Tracking Resistance/FR

The present disclosure provides for a composition comprising: at leastone polycarbonate that is not a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; abrominated organic flame retardant or a halogen organic flame retardantcompound; optionally a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or moreadditives that impart a desired performance property; and optionally acarbon black containing material, wherein said composition has ap(FTP)V0 flammability rating of greater than 0.85 at 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or0.8 mm or between 1.5 mm and 0.8 mm according to the method of UL 94,and further wherein the composition does not show tracking through atleast 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250Vaccording to ASTM D-3638.

The present disclosure also provides for a composition comprising: atleast one polycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxaneblock-co-polycarbonate; 5 to 45 wt % of a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of a transitional metal oxide; 1 to 10 wt% of bromine atoms from a brominated organic flame retardant; optionally0 to 1 wt % of a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or moreadditives that impart a desired performance property; and optionally acarbon black containing material, wherein said composition has a p(FTP)V0 flammability rating of >0.85 at 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.8 mm or between1.5 mm and 0.8 mm according to the method of UL 94, and further whereinthe composition does not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTMD-3638.

The present invention further provides for a method of controlling thetracking of an electrical current of an article of manufacturecontaining a polycarbonate containing material comprising: providing acomposition comprising at least one polycarbonate that is not apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; a brominated organic flameretardant or a halogen organic flame retardant compound; optionally 0 to1 wt % of a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additivesthat impart a desired performance property; and optionally a carbonblack containing material, wherein said composition has a p(FTP)V0flammability rating of greater than 0.85 at 1.5 mm or greater, 1.0 mm,or 0.8 mm or between 1.5 mm and 0.8 mm according to the method of UL 94,and further wherein the composition does not show tracking through atleast 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250Vaccording to ASTM D-3638; and processing said polycarbonate containingmaterial to form an article of manufacture.

The present disclosure further provides for articles of manufacture thatcontain the polycarbonate formulations described above.

C. Electrical Tracking Resistance/Impact/FR

The present disclosure provides for a composition comprising: at leastone polycarbonate that is not a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; abrominated organic flame retardant or a halogen organic flame retardantcompound; optionally 0 to 1 wt % of a fluorinated polyolefin; optionallyone or more additives that impart a desired performance property; andoptionally a carbon black containing material, wherein the compositionhas a notched izod impact at −30° C. of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thicknessof 3.0 mm according to ISO-180 standard with a 5.5 J hammer and whereinsaid composition has a p(FTP)V0 flammability rating of greater than 0.85at 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.8 mm or between 1.5 mm and 0.8 mm according tothe method of UL 94, and further wherein the composition does not showtracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloridesolution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638.

The present disclosure further provides for a composition comprising: atleast one polycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxaneblock-co-polycarbonate; 5 to 45 wt % of a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of a transitional metal oxide; 1 to 10 wt% of bromine atoms from a brominated organic flame retardant or ahalogen containing flame retardant; optionally 0 to 1 wt % of afluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart adesired performance property; and optionally a carbon black containingmaterial, wherein the composition has a notched izod impact at −30° C.of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180standard with a 5.5 J hammer and wherein the composition has a p(FTP)V0flammability rating of greater than (“>”) 0.85 at 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.8mm or between 1.5 mm and 0.8 mm according to the method of UL 94, andfurther wherein the composition does not show tracking through at least50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250V accordingto ASTM D-3638.

The present invention further provides for a method of controlling thetracking of an electrical current of an article of manufacturecontaining a polycarbonate containing material comprising: providing atleast one polycarbonate that is not a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; a transitionmetal oxide; a brominated organic flame retardant or a halogen organicflame retardant compound; optionally 0 to 1 wt % of a fluorinatedpolyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart a desiredperformance property; and optionally a carbon black containing material,wherein the composition has a notched izod impact at −30° C. of at least35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180 standard with a5.5 J hammer and wherein said composition has a p(FTP)V0 flammabilityrating>0.85 at 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.8 mm or between 1.5 mm and 0.8 mmaccording to the method of UL 94, and further wherein the compositiondoes not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueousammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638; andprocessing said polycarbonate containing material to form an article ofmanufacture.

The present disclosure further provides for articles of manufacture thatcontain the polycarbonate formulations described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Electrical tracking is defined as the formation of conductive pathwayson the surface of a polymer under certain conditions and at a certainvoltage. Electrical tracking in a plastic can be a source of fire inplastic parts that are used in electrical applications and so resistanceto electrical tracking is often an important safety requirement for aplastic, which is used in certain electrical applications.

Electrical tracking resistance is the ability of a plastic formulationto resist electrical tracking under certain conditions and certainvoltages. Electrical tracking resistance on molded polycarbonatearticles is often measured using a test procedure identified as ASTMD-3638. A common method of reporting the electrical tracking resistanceof a plastic is by its comparative tracking index rating (CTI). The CTIrating of plastic indicates how resistant a plastic material is toelectrical tracking at certain voltages. CTI ratings range from CTI-0 toCTI-5 with a CTI-1 rating indicating that a plastic is more resistant toelectrical tracking than a plastic with a lower CTI rating (for exampleCTI-3).

As stated above, the present invention provides for composition(s) orarticles of manufacture derived therefrom, which address: at leastelectrical tracking resistance and impact performance; at leastelectrical tracking resistance and flame retardancy; and at leastelectrical tracking resistance, impact performance and flame retardancy.In addition, a method of controlling the tracking of an electricalcurrent of a polycarbonate containing composition is also embodied inthis disclosure.

The various elements described above: a polycarbonate; a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate; titanium dioxide; a flame retardant compound; afluorinated polyolefin; additives; and carbon black are described in amore particular manner below. This disclosure can encompass one or moreaspects of each individual element and can contain other elements inaddition to those that are described in this disclosure so long as theparticular performance requirements of a given formulation/resincontaining composition/article(s) of manufacture derived therefrom aremet.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “and” and “the” include plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

Transition metal oxides, e.g. titanium dioxide, include the baseelements plus optionally other chemistries, such as a coating.

A. Polycarbonates

Polycarbonates are utilized in conjunction with other components of theclaimed invention, e.g. in conjunction with the polysiloxaneco-polycarbonates described below and transition metal oxides, anexample of which is a composition containing titanium dioxide. Theamount of polycarbonate will vary depending on the requisite performanceproperties of the end-use materials. For example, the amount ofpolycarbonate will be balanced with the amount of polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonates added to a composition of matter, e.g. to balance theeffect of adding polysiloxane block co-polycarbonates on electricaltracking resistance performance. In addition, additives/otherchemistries must be selected so as not to substantially degrade thepolycarbonate material or the electrical tracking resistance performanceof the polycarbonate compositions. One of ordinary skill in the art candetermine the amount of degradation of the polycarbonate without undueexperimentation, as well as measure electrical tracking resistance viaquantifying a CTI value as articulated in this disclosure. Thepolycarbonates can have various physical and chemical properties, butthey have to be balanced so as to net a desired result—meet specificend-use requirements.

In one embodiment, the polycarbonates can be linear, branched, or acombination thereof.

Various types of polycarbonates that have a repeating structuralbackground of the following formula (1):

can be utilized for the claimed invention/inventions encompassed by thisdisclosure.

In one embodiment, the polycarbonate is derived from bisphenol-A.

In another embodiment, each R¹ group is a divalent aromatic group, forexample derived from an aromatic dihydroxy compound of the formula (2):HO-A¹-Y¹-A²-OH  (2)wherein each of A¹ and A² is a monocyclic divalent arylene group, and Y¹is a single bond or a bridging group having one or two atoms thatseparate A¹ from A². In an exemplary embodiment, one atom separates A¹from A².

In another embodiment, when each of A¹ and A² is phenylene, Y¹ is parato each of the hydroxyl groups on the phenylenes. Illustrativenon-limiting examples of groups of this type are —O—, —S—, —S(O)—,—S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, methylene, cyclohexyl-methylene,2-[2.2.1]-bicycloheptylidene, ethylidene, isopropylidene,neopentylidene, cyclohexylidene, cyclopentadecylidene,cyclododecylidene, and adamantylidene. The bridging group Y¹ can be ahydrocarbon group or a saturated hydrocarbon group such as methylene,cyclohexylidene, or isopropylidene.

Included within the scope of formula (2) are bisphenol compounds ofgeneral formula (3):

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) each represent a halogen atom or a monovalenthydrocarbon group and can be the same or different; p and q are eachindependently integers of 0 to 4; and X^(a) represents a single bond orone of the groups of formulas (4) or (5):

wherein R^(c) and R^(d) are each independently hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl,C₁₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₁₋₁₂ heteroalkyl, or cyclic C₇₋₁₂heteroarylalkyl, and R^(e) is a divalent C₁₋₁₂ hydrocarbon group. Inparticular, R^(c) and R^(d) are each the same hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkylgroup, specifically the same C₁₋₃ alkyl group, even more specifically,methyl.

In an embodiment, R^(c) and R^(d) taken together represent a C₃₋₂₀cyclic alkylene group or a heteroatom-containing C₃₋₂₀ cyclic alkylenegroup comprising carbon atoms and heteroatoms with a valency of two orgreater. These groups can be in the form of a single saturated orunsaturated ring, or a fused polycyclic ring system wherein the fusedrings are saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic. A specificheteroatom-containing a cyclic alkylene group comprises at least oneheteroatom with a valency of 2 or greater, and at least two carbonatoms. Exemplary heteroatoms in the heteroatom-containing cyclicalkylene group include —O—, —S—, and —N(Z)—, where Z is a substituentgroup selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₁₋₁₂ alkoxy, orC₁₋₁₂ acyl.

In a specific exemplary embodiment, X^(a) is a substituted C₃₋₁₈cycloalkylidene of the formula (6):

wherein each R^(r), R^(p), R^(q), and R^(t) is independently hydrogen,halogen, oxygen, or C₁₋₁₂ organic group; I is a direct bond, a carbon,or a divalent oxygen, sulfur, or —N(Z)— wherein Z is hydrogen, halogen,hydroxy, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₁₋₁₂ alkoxy, or C₁₋₁₂ acyl; h is 0 to 2, j is 1or 2, i is an integer of 0 or 1, and k is an integer of 0 to 3, with theproviso that at least two of R^(r), R^(p), R^(q), and R^(t) takentogether are a fused cycloaliphatic, aromatic, or heteroaromatic ring.It will be understood that where the fused ring is aromatic, the ring asshown in formula (6) will have an unsaturated carbon-carbon linkagewhere the ring is fused. When k is 1 and i is 0, the ring as shown informula (6) contains 4 carbon atoms, when k is 2, the ring as showncontains 5 carbon atoms, and when k is 3, the ring contains 6 carbonatoms. In one embodiment, two adjacent groups (e.g., R^(q) and R^(t)taken together) form an aromatic group, and in another embodiment, R^(q)and R^(t) taken together form one aromatic group and R^(r) and R^(p)taken together form a second aromatic group.

When k is 3 and i is 0, bisphenols containing substituted orunsubstituted cyclohexane units are used, for example bisphenols offormula (7):

wherein each R^(f) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, or halogen;and each R^(g) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₁₂ alkyl. Thesubstituents can be aliphatic or aromatic, straight chain, cyclic,bicyclic, branched, saturated, or unsaturated. Suchcyclohexane-containing bisphenols, for example the reaction product oftwo moles of a phenol with one mole of a hydrogenated isophorone, areuseful for making polycarbonate polymers with high glass transitiontemperatures and high heat distortion temperatures. Cyclohexyl bisphenolcontaining polycarbonates, or a combination comprising at least one ofthe foregoing with other bisphenol polycarbonates, are supplied by BayerCo. under the APEC® trade name.

Other useful dihydroxy compounds having the formula HO—R¹—OH includearomatic dihydroxy compounds of formula (8):

wherein each R^(h) is independently a halogen atom, a C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbylsuch as a C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group, a halogen substituted C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbylsuch as a halogen-substituted C₁₋₁₀ alkyl group, and n is 0 to 4. Thehalogen is usually bromine.

Some illustrative examples of dihydroxy compounds include the following:4,4′-dihydroxybiphenyl, 1,6-dihydroxynaphthalene,2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane,bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)diphenylmethane,bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-naphthylmethane, 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylethane,2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane,bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phenylmethane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-bromophenyl)propane,1,1-bis(hydroxyphenyl)cyclopentane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)isobutene,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclododecane,trans-2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butene,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)adamantine,alpha,alpha′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)toluene,bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetonitrile,2,2-bis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(3-ethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(3-n-propyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(3-isopropyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(3-sec-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(3-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(3-cyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(3-allyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane,1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene,1,1-dibromo-2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene,1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(5-phenoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene,4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone, 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone,1,6-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,6-hexanedione, ethylene glycolbis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ether, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ether,bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfide, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfoxide,bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone, 9,9 to bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorine,2,7-dihydroxypyrene,6,6′-dihydroxy-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylspiro(bis)indane (“spirobiindanebisphenol”), 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide,2,6-dihydroxydibenzo-p-dioxin, 2,6-dihydroxythianthrene,2,7-dihydroxyphenoxathin, 2,7-dihydroxy-9,10-dimethylphenazine,3,6-dihydroxydibenzofuran, 3,6-dihydroxydibenzothiophene, and2,7-dihydroxycarbazole, resorcinol, substituted resorcinol compoundssuch as 5-methyl resorcinol, 5-ethyl resorcinol, 5-propyl resorcinol,5-butyl resorcinol, 5-t-butyl resorcinol, 5-phenyl resorcinol, 5-cumylresorcinol, 2,4,5,6-tetrafluoro resorcinol, 2,4,5,6-tetrabromoresorcinol, or the like; catechol; hydroquinone; substitutedhydroquinones such as 2-methyl hydroquinone, 2-ethyl hydroquinone,2-propyl hydroquinone, 2-butyl hydroquinone, 2-t-butyl hydroquinone,2-phenyl hydroquinone, 2-cumyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylhydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetra-t-butyl hydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorohydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetrabromo hydroquinone, and the like, as well ascombinations comprising at least one of the foregoing dihydroxycompounds.

Specific examples of bisphenol compounds that can be represented byformula (2) include 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane(hereinafter “bisphenol A” or “BPA”), 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) butane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) octane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) n-butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-1-methylphenyl)propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-t-butylphenyl) propane,3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) phthalimidine,2-phenyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) phthalimidine (PPPBP), and1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)cyclohexane (DMBPC). Combinationscomprising at least one of the foregoing dihydroxy compounds can also beused.

“Polycarbonate” as used herein includes homopolycarbonates, copolymerscomprising different R¹ moieties in the carbonate (referred to herein as“copolycarbonates”), and copolymers comprising carbonate units and othertypes of polymer units, such as ester units.

In one specific embodiment, the polycarbonate is a linear homopolymer orcopolymer comprising units derived from bisphenol A, in which each of A¹and A² is p-phenylene and Y¹ is isopropylidene in formula (2). Morespecifically, at least 60%, particularly at least 80% of the R¹ groupsin the polycarbonate are derived from bisphenol A.

Another specific type of copolymer is a polyester carbonate, also knownas a polyester-polycarbonate. Such copolymers further contain, inaddition to recurring carbonate chain units of the formula (1),repeating units of formula (9):

wherein D is a divalent group derived from a dihydroxy compound, and canbe, for example, a C₂₋₁₀ alkylene group, a C₆₋₂₀ alicyclic group, aC₆₋₂₀ aromatic group or a polyoxyalkylene group in which the alkylenegroups contain 2 to 6 carbon atoms, specifically 2, 3, or 4 carbonatoms; and T divalent group derived from a dicarboxylic acid, and canbe, for example, a C₂₋₁₀ alkylene group, a C₆₋₂₀ alicyclic group, aC₆₋₂₀ alkyl aromatic group, or a C₆₋₂₀ aromatic group.

In one embodiment, D is a C₂₋₃₀ alkylene group having a straight chain,branched chain, or cyclic (including polycyclic) structure. In anotherembodiment, D is derived from an aromatic dihydroxy compound of formula(3) above. In another embodiment, D is derived from an aromaticdihydroxy compound of formula (8) above.

Examples of aromatic dicarboxylic acids that can be used to prepare thepolyester units include isophthalic or terephthalic acid,1,2-di(p-carboxyphenyl)ethane, 4,4′-dicarboxydiphenyl ether,4,4′-bisbenzoic acid, and combinations comprising at least one of theforegoing acids. Acids containing fused rings can also be present, suchas in 1,4-, 1,5-, or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acids. Specificdicarboxylic acids are terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, or combinationsthereof. A specific dicarboxylic acid comprises a combination ofisophthalic acid and terephthalic acid wherein the weight ratio ofisophthalic acid to terephthalic acid is 91:9 to 2:98. In anotherspecific embodiment, D is a C₂₋₆ alkylene group and T is p-phenylene,m-phenylene, naphthalene, a divalent cycloaliphatic group, or acombination thereof. This class of polyester includes the poly(alkyleneterephthalates).

The molar ratio of ester units to carbonate units in the copolymers canvary broadly, for example 1:99 to 99:1, specifically 10:90 to 90:10,more specifically 25:75 to 75:25, depending on the desired properties ofthe final composition.

In a specific embodiment, the polyester unit of apolyester-polycarbonate can be derived from the reaction of acombination of isophthalic and terephthalic diacids (or derivativesthereof) with resorcinol. In another specific embodiment, the polyesterunit of a polyester-polycarbonate is derived from the reaction of acombination of isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid with bisphenol-A.In a specific embodiment, the polycarbonate units are derived frombisphenol A. In another specific embodiment, the polycarbonate units arederived from resorcinol and bisphenol A in a molar ratio of resorcinolcarbonate units to bisphenol A carbonate units of 1:99 to 99:1.

The selection of a polycarbonate backbone of choice depends on manyfactors such as end use and other factors understood by one of ordinaryskill the art.

In one embodiment, the polycarbonate is derived from at least one ormore bisphenols and one of the bisphenols is Bisphenol-A.

In another embodiment, the polycarbonate can be linear, branched or acombination of linear and branched polycarbonates.

The polycarbonates of the claimed invention can contain branchedpolycarbonate(s). Various types of branching agents can be utilized forthe claimed invention/inventions encompassed by this disclosure.

Branched polycarbonate blocks can be prepared by adding a branchingagent during polymerization. These branching agents includepolyfunctional organic compounds containing at least three functionalgroups selected from hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylic anhydride,haloformyl, and mixtures of the foregoing functional groups. Specificexamples include trimellitic acid, trimellitic anhydride, trimellitictrichloride (TMTC), tris-p-hydroxy phenyl ethane (THPE),3,3-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-oxindole (also known as isatin-bis-phenol),tris-phenol TC (1,3,5-tris((p-hydroxyphenyl)isopropyl)benzene),tris-phenol PA (4(4(1,1-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl) alpha,alpha-dimethylbenzyl)phenol), 4-chloroformyl phthalic anhydride, trimesic acid, andbenzophenone tetracarboxylic acid. The branching agents can be added ata level of 0.05 to 2.0 wt. %. Mixtures comprising linear polycarbonatesand branched polycarbonates can be used.

In some embodiments, a particular type of branching agent is used tocreate branched polycarbonate materials. These branched polycarbonatematerials have statistically more than two end groups. The branchingagent is added in an amount (relative to the bisphenol monomer) that issufficient to achieve the desired branching content, that is, more thantwo end groups. The molecular weight of the polymer may become very highupon addition of the branching agent and may lead to viscosity problemsduring phosgenation. Therefore, in some embodiments, an increase in theamount of the chain termination agent is used in the polymerization. Theamount of chain termination agent used when the particular branchingagent is used is generally higher than if only a chain termination agentalone is used. The amount of chain termination agent used is generallyabove 5 mole percent and less than 20 mole percent compared to thebisphenol monomer.

In some embodiments, the branching agent is a structure derived from atriacid trichloride of the formula (10)

wherein Z is hydrogen, a halogen, C₁₋₃ alkyl group, C₁₋₃ alkoxy group,C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, alkylaryl, or nitro group, and z is 0 to 3; or abranching agent derived from a reaction with a tri-substituted phenol ofthe formula (11)

wherein T is a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl group, C₁₋₂₀ alkyleneoxy group, C₇₋₁₂arylalkyl, or alkylaryl group, S is hydrogen, a halogen, C₁₋₃ alkylgroup, C₁₋₃ alkoxy group, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, alkylaryl, or nitro group, sis 0 to 4.

In another embodiment, the branching agent is a structure having formula(12)

Examples of specific branching agents that are particularly effective inthe compositions include trimellitic trichloride (TMTC), tris-p-hydroxyphenyl ethane (THPE) and isatin-bis-phenol. In one embodiment, informula (10), Z is hydrogen and z is 3. In another embodiment, informula (11), S is hydrogen, T is methyl and s is 4.

The relative amount of branching agents used in the manufacture of thepolymer will depend on a number of considerations, for example the typeof R¹ groups, the amount of cyanophenol/end-capping agents, and thedesired molecular weight of the polycarbonate. In general, the amount ofbranching agent is effective to provide about 0.1 to 10 branching unitsper 100 R¹ units, specifically about 0.5 to 8 branching units per 100 R¹units, and more specifically about 0.75 to 5 branching units per 100 R¹units. For branching agents having formula (10), the amount of branchingagent tri-ester groups are present in an amount of about 0.1 to 10branching units per 100 R¹ units, specifically about 0.5 to 8 branchingunits per 100 R¹ units, and more specifically about 0.75 to 5 tri-esterunits per 100 R¹ units. For branching agents having formula (11), theamount of branching agent tricarbonate groups are present in an amountof about 0.1 to 10 branching units per 100 R¹ units, specifically about0.5 to 8 branching units per 100 R¹ units, and more specifically about0.75 to 5 tri-phenylcarbonate units per 100 R¹ units. In someembodiments, a combination of two or more branching agents may be used.

In one embodiment, the polycarbonate of said composition has a branchinglevel of at least about 0.1% or at least 0.2% or at least 0.4% or atleast about 1% or at least about 2% or at least about 3% or from about1% to about 3%.

Various types of end-capping agents can be utilized to control thelength of the polycarbonate material. End-capping agents may includemonofunctional phenols or monofunctional alcohols, C₁-C₃₀monochloroformates derived from monofunctional phenols or alcohols,C₂-C₃₀ monocarboxylic acids, and C₂-C₃₀ monocarboxylic acid chlorides.

In one embodiment, the end-capping agents are selected from at least oneof the following: phenol or a phenol containing one or moresubstitutions with at least one of the following: aliphatic groups,olefinic groups, aromatic groups, halogens, ester groups, and ethergroups.

Of particular usefulness commercially, in another embodiment, theend-capping agents are selected from at least one of the following:phenol, para-t-butylphenol or para-cumylphenol.

In another embodiment, the end-capping agent has a pKa between about 8.3and about 11. In a further embodiment, the end-capping agent has a pKaof between 9 and 11.

The amount of polycarbonate will vary depending on the requiredperformance properties of the end use materials, e.g. the amount ofother chemistries in the final formulation that a part is moldedtherefrom.

In one embodiment, the composition contains at least 40%, based upon atotal weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the polycarbonate is not a polysiloxaneblock-co-polycarbonate.

B. Polysiloxane Block Co-Polycarbonates

A polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate is used to facilitate lowtemperature impact strength of the composition of matter, specifically,molded parts derived therefrom.

Although polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate materials have a positiveimpact on low temperature impact strength, polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonates have a negative impact on electrical trackingresistance performance versus non-siloxane containing polycarbonates,and thus the amount of polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate needs to bebalanced/off-set with other types of linear and/or branchedpolycarbonates, as described above in Section A, as well asbalanced/off-set with amounts of other components such titanium dioxide,an electrical tracking resistance proponent. One of ordinary skill inthe art can balance these components without undue experimentation.

In one embodiment, a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate is formed fromcarbonate units derived from dihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s) and apolysiloxane containing unit(s) having dihydroxy aromatic end groups.Other protocols known to one of ordinary skill in the art can beutilized.

In another embodiment, the dihydroxy aromatic unit is bisphenol-A.

In another embodiment, the polysiloxane units have the followingformula:

wherein each occurrence of R is same or different, and is a C₁₋₁₃monovalent organic group. For example, R may independently be a C₁₋₁₃alkyl group, C₁₋₁₃ alkoxy group, C₂₋₁₃ alkenyl group, C₂₋₁₃ alkenyloxygroup, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl group, C₃₋₆ cycloalkoxy group, C₆₋₁₄ aryl group,C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy group, C₇₋₁₃ arylalkyl group, C₇₋₁₃ arylalkoxy group,C₇₋₁₃ alkylaryl group, or C₇₋₁₃ alkylaryloxy group. The foregoing groupsmay be fully or partially halogenated with fluorine, chlorine, bromine,or iodine, or a combination thereof. Combinations of the foregoing Rgroups may be used in the same copolymer. In an embodiment, thepolysiloxane comprises R groups that have a minimum hydrocarbon content.In a specific embodiment, an R group with a minimum hydrocarbon contentis a methyl group.

The value of E in formula (13) may vary widely depending on the type andrelative amount of each component in the thermoplastic composition, thedesired properties of the composition, and like considerations. Herein,E has an average value of 4 to 100.

In another embodiment, E has an average value of 20 to 100.

In another embodiment, E has an average value of 20 to 75.

In a further embodiment, E has an average value of 35 to 55.

In another embodiment, polysiloxane units are derived from dihydroxyaromatic compound of formula (14):

wherein E is as defined above; each R may independently be the same ordifferent, and is as defined above; and each Ar may independently be thesame or different, and is a substituted or unsubstituted C₆₋₃₀ arylenegroup, wherein the bonds are directly connected to an aromatic moiety.Suitable Ar groups in formula (14) may be derived from a C₆₋₃₀ dihydroxyaromatic compound, for example a dihydroxy aromatic compound of formula(2), (3), (7), or (8) above. Combinations comprising at least one of theforegoing dihydroxy aromatic compounds may also be used. Exemplarydihydroxy aromatic compounds are resorcinol (i.e.,1,3-dihydroxybenzene), 4-methyl-1,3-dihydroxybenzene,5-methyl-1,3-dihydroxybenzene, 4,6-dimethyl-1,3-dihydroxybenzene,1,4-dihydroxybenzene, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) octane,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) n-butane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-1-methylphenyl) propane,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl sulfide), and1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-t-butylphenyl) propane. Combinations comprising atleast one of the foregoing dihydroxy compounds may also be used. In anembodiment, the dihydroxy aromatic compound is unsubstituted, or is notsubstituted with non-aromatic hydrocarbon-containing substituents suchas, for example, alkyl, alkoxy, or alkylene substituents.

In a specific embodiment, where Ar is derived from resorcinol, thepolysiloxane repeating units are derived from dihydroxy aromaticcompounds of formula (15):

or, where Ar is derived from bisphenol-A, from dihydroxy aromaticcompounds of formula (16):

wherein E is as defined above.

In another embodiment, polysiloxane units are derived from dihydroxyaromatic compound of formula (17):

wherein R and E are as described above, and each occurrence of R² isindependently a divalent C₁₋₃₀ alkylene or C₇₋₃₀ arylene-alkylene, andwherein the polymerized polysiloxane unit is the reaction residue of itscorresponding dihydroxy aromatic compound. In a specific embodiment,where R² is C₇₋₃₀ arylene-alkylene, the polysiloxane units are derivedfrom dihydroxy aromatic compound of formula (18):

wherein R and E are as defined above. Each R³ is independently adivalent C₂₋₈ aliphatic group. Each M may be the same or different, andmay be a halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy,C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy,C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂alkylaryl, or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1,2, 3, or 4.

In an embodiment, M is bromo or chloro, an alkyl group such as methyl,ethyl, or propyl, an alkoxy group such as methoxy, ethoxy, or propoxy,or an aryl group such as phenyl, chlorophenyl, or tolyl; R³ is adimethylene, trimethylene or tetramethylene group; and R is a C₁₋₈alkyl, haloalkyl such as trifluoropropyl, cyanoalkyl, or aryl such asphenyl, chlorophenyl or tolyl. In another embodiment, R is methyl, or acombination of methyl and trifluoropropyl, or a combination of methyland phenyl. In still another embodiment, M is methoxy, n is 0 or 1, R³is a divalent C₁₋₃ aliphatic group, and R is methyl.

In a specific embodiment, the polysiloxane units are derived from adihydroxy aromatic compound of formula (19):

wherein E is as described above.

In another specific embodiment, the polysiloxane units are derived fromdihydroxy aromatic compound of formula (20):

wherein E is as defined above.

Dihydroxy polysiloxanes typically can be made by functionalizing asubstituted siloxane oligomer of formula (21):

wherein R and E are as previously defined, and Z is H, halogen (Cl, Br,I), or carboxylate. Exemplary carboxylates include acetate, formate,benzoate, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, where Z is H,compounds of formula (21) may be prepared by platinum catalyzed additionwith an aliphatically unsaturated monohydric phenol. Suitablealiphatically unsaturated monohydric phenols included, for example,eugenol, 2-allylphenol, 4-allylphenol, 4-allyl-2-methylphenol,4-allyl-2-phenylphenol, 4-allyl-2-bromophenol, 4-allyl-2-t-butoxyphenol,4-phenyl-2-allylphenol, 2-methyl-4-propenylphenol,2-allyl-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2-allyl-4-bromo-6-methylphenol,2-allyl-6-methoxy-4-methylphenol, and 2-allyl-4,6-dimethylphenol.Combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing may also be used.Where Z is halogen or carboxylate, functionalization may be accomplishedby reaction with a dihydroxy aromatic compound of formulas (2), (3),(7), (8), or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoingdihydroxy aromatic compounds. In an exemplary embodiment, compounds offormula (11) may be formed from an alpha,omega-bisacetoxypolydiorangonosiloxane and a dihydroxy aromatic compoundunder phase transfer conditions.

In one embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate is derivedfrom at least Bisphenol-A and polysiloxane bisphenol having thefollowing structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100.

In another embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A and a polysiloxane bisphenol havingthe following structure 2,

wherein, R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups R2 comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups andE-1 has an average value of 20 to 100.

In another embodiment, the average value of E of structure 1 is 20 to100 or the average value of E-1 of structure 2 is 20 to 60.

In another embodiment, the average value of E of structure 1 between 30and 50 or the average value of E-1 of structure 2 is 20 to 50.

In another embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A and a polysiloxane bisphenol havingthe structure of formula:

wherein R and E are as defined above. Each R³ is independently adivalent C₂₋₈ aliphatic group. Each M may be the same or different, andmay be a halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy,C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy,C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂alkylaryl, or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1,2, 3, or 4, wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100.

The amount of polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate can vary in the aboveformulations with the restriction of meeting desired end-use performancecharacteristics of a particular composition of matter or molded partderived therefrom.

In one embodiment, the composition has 5 to 45 wt % polysiloxane blockco-based on the total weight of the composition\

In another embodiment, the composition has greater than about 17 wt %polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate. In a further embodiment, thecomposition has about 17.5 wt % of said polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate based on the total weight of the composition.

C. Titanium Dioxide/Transition Metal Oxides

Transition metal oxides, e.g. titanium dioxide, have been surprisinglyfound as a useful additive for improving electrical tracking resistanceperformance in polycarbonate containing formulations, especiallycompared to mineral fillers with similar dielectric constants.

Oxides of transition metals seem to offer superior performance overmetal oxides of alkali or alkaline earth metals as illustrated in Table1 below. As illustrated in Table 1 below, electrical tracking resistanceof other mineral fillers were tested with similar dielectric constantsto transition metal oxides under a specified set of conditions.

In one embodiment, titanium dioxide improves the electrical trackingresistance performance of a polycarbonate containing formulation.

In another embodiment, chromium oxide (also known as chromium (III)oxide) improves the electrical tracking resistance performance of apolycarbonate containing formulations.

TABLE 1 INI at INI at CTI at −23° C. −30° C. 250 V Mineral Level [kJ/m2][kJ/m2] [drops] Reference — 71 66 22 TiO₂ (uncoated) 5% 66 61 93 10%  6157 100 Cr₂O₃ 5% 58 18 66 ZnB 5% 56 17 25 ZnO₂ 5% 56 19 10%  57 25 BaSO₄5% 43 13 18 CaSO₄ 5% 11 9 17 Calcium Hydroxy 5% 12 Apatite 23 30 Alumina5% 14 13 21 Nano Alumina 5% 53 43 15 BaTiO₃ 2% 61 53 23 5% 54 47 40BaTiO₃ + mica 2.5 + 2.5% 46 16 15 BaTiO₃ + PEG 5 + 1% 44 20 24 Mica 5%19 13 18 10%  11 9 14

More specifically, titanium dioxide has been found to be particularlyuseful in improving electrical tracking resistance performance inpolycarbonate formulations.

The selection of the type of coating on titanium oxide and the averageparticle size of the titanium oxide as well as the amounts of thetitanium oxide used in the polycarbonate formulation encompassed by thisdisclosure will depend on the particular balance of properties amongelectrical tracking resistance performance, low temperature impact, andflame performance that is required or sought in a particularpolycarbonate based product.

For example, titanium dioxide can have a slight negative impact on flameretardant performance and thus to achieve both flame retardancy andelectrical tracking resistance performance at a certain level, thenthere needs to be a delicate balance of addition of both components. Oneof ordinary skill in the art could balance the amounts of titaniumdioxide with the amount of flame retardant without undueexperimentation. The type and amount of flame retardant selected alsohas an effect on achieving desired performance levels for electricaltracking resistance and flame retardancy. In cases where impactperformance is needed as well, the selection of the right combination ofpolycarbonates and polysiloxane block co-polycarbonates need to beweighed in as well, as exemplified in this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the titanium oxide particles may have an inorganiccoating, which may be an alumina coating, without an organic coating.

In another embodiment, the titanium oxide may have an organic coating,which may be a polysiloxane coating.

In another embodiment, the amount of titanium oxide is in the range offrom 3 to 40 wt %, or from 5 to 30 weight (wt) %, or in the range of 5to 25 wt %, or from 5 to 20 wt % or from 5 to 10 wt %, based on thetotal weight of the polycarbonate formulations.

In another embodiment, the titanium dioxide has a particle size of lessthan 50.0 nm, or less than 350 nm, or between 50 nm and 350 nm, or 100nm to 350 nm, or 150 nm to 250 nm, or 100 nm to 200 nm.

In another embodiment, the amount of titanium dioxide is about 3 toabout 40 wt % based on the total weight of said polycarbonateformulations.

In another embodiment, the amount of titanium dioxide is 5 to about 25wt % of said polycarbonate based on the total weight of saidpolycarbonate formulations.

In another embodiment, the amount of titanium dioxide is about 5 wt % toabout 10 wt % based on the total weight of said polycarbonateformulations.

D. Flame Retardants

The selection of the correct flame retardant is not only critical forachieving a good flame retardant rating, such as a V0 rating under UL94, it is also important in applications that need to have goodelectrical tracking resistance performance. Without being bound bytheory, char formation processes required for a good flame retardantrating often results in poor tracking behavior and therefore a high CTIclass. Data Tables 5 and 6 in the Experimental Section of thisapplication show results for the addition of various flame retardantadditives to polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate blends that contain 5%TiO₂. In addition, Data Tables 5 and 6 also show that the amount offlame retardant added to the formulation does have an influence on lowtemperature impact and ductility so there is also a need to balance theamount of flame retardant aside from the selection of flame retardant.Moreover, brominated based flame retardants, as shown in Data Tables 5and 6 can provide a composition that meets electrical trackingresistance requirements and flame retardant performance as determinedusing the UL94 VO p(FTP) method at 1.5 mm or at 0.8 mm part thicknesses,with or without the presence of an anti-drip agent such as PTFE or TSAN.

In one embodiment, the composition excludes potassium diphenylsulfonesulfonate (KSS) and potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (Rimar) salts.

In another embodiment the composition includes a combination ofbrominated organic flame retardants and diphenylsulfone sulfonate (KSS)and potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (Rimar) salts.

Other non-salt organic flame retardants such as diphenyl Phosphate(BPADP) may also have a positive effect on electrical trackingresistance performance compared to KSS and Rimar salts.

In one embodiment, the flame retardant is a halogen containing organicflame retardant.

In another embodiment, the flame retardant is a brominated organic flameretardant.

In another embodiment, the composition has at least 10 wt % brominatedpolycarbonate based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the composition contains at least 20% brominatedpolycarbonate based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant has abromine content of between 0.3 and 10 wt % bromine atoms based on thetotal weight of the composition. In a further embodiment, the brominecontent is between 1.0 and 10 wt % bromine atoms based on the weight ofthe total composition. In a further embodiment the bromine content isbetween 2 and 10 wt % based on the weight of the total composition. In afurther embodiment the bromine content is between 2 and 6 wt % based onthe total weight of the composition. In a further embodiment the brominecontent is between 2.5 and 3 wt % based on the total weight of thecomposition.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant is atleast one of the following: a brominated polycarbonate, a brominatedpolycarbonate oligomer, a brominated acrylate, a brominated polyether, abrominated epoxy oligomer, and a brominated phthalimide.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant is atleast one of the following: TBBPA-BPA copolymer(TBBPA=tetrabromobisphenol-A), TBBPA oligomer (pentamer),poly(pentabromobenzylacrylate), brominated epoxy, brominated epoxyoligomer, end-capped brominated epoxy, brominated epoxy polymer, and1,2-bis(tetrabromophthalimido)ethane. Data Tables 5 and 6 shows examplesof brominated polycarbonates.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant is apolycarbonate copolymer derived from at least a bisphenol-A and2,2′,6,6′-tetrabromo bisphenol-A and wherein the average wt % of bromineatoms in the polycarbonate copolymer is 26 wt % based on the totalweight of the polycarbonate copolymer.

Aside from brominated organic flame retardants, phosphorous containingflame retardants can be utilized, such as BPADP. More specifically,useful flame-retardants include organic compounds that includephosphorus, bromine, and/or chlorine. Non-brominates and non-chlorinatedphosphorus-containing flame-retardants can be preferred in certainapplications for regulatory reasons, for example organic phosphates andorganic compounds containing phosphorus-nitrogen bonds.

D1. Flame Retardant Testing Procedure & Description of TestingComponents

Different composition of flame-retarded additives and PC are mixedtogether and pre-blended. Extrusion and molding is carried out undernormal polycarbonate processing condition.

Flammability testing was conducted using the standard UnderwritersLaboratory UL 94 test method (2 day conditioning), except that 20 barsrather than the usual 5 bars were tested. Specimens are to bepreconditioned in an air-circulating oven for 48 hours at 23±1° C. andthen cooled in the desiccator for at least 4 hours at room temperature,prior to testing. Once removed from the desiccator, specimens shall betested within 30 minutes. The data was analyzed by calculation of theaverage flame out time, standard deviation of the flame out time and thetotal number of drips. Statistical methods were used to convert the datato a probability that a specific formulation would achieve a first timeV0 pass or “p(FTP)” in the standard UL 94 testing of 5 bars. The firsttime pass (FTP) in that case refers to the first time a material issubmitted to UL. Preferably p(FTP) values will be 1 or very close to 1for high confidence that a sample formulation would achieve a V0 ratingin UL 94 testing. A p(FTP) value below 0.85 for a sample formulation wasconsidered too low to predict a UL 94 rating of V0 for that formulation.

Flammability tests were performed following the procedure ofUnderwriter's Laboratory Bulletin 94 entitled “Tests for Flammability ofPlastic Materials, UL94.” Several ratings can be applied based on therate of burning, time to extinguish, ability to resist dripping, andwhether or not drips are burning. According to this procedure, materialscan be classified as UL94 HB, V0, V1, V2, on the basis of the testresults obtained for five samples. The criteria for each of theseflammability classifications are described below.

-   -   HB: In a 5-inch sample, placed so that the long axis of the        sample is horizontal to the flame, the rate of burn of the        sample is less than 3 inches per minute, and the flame is        extinguished before 4 inches of sample are burned.    -   V0: In a sample placed so that its long axis is 180 degrees to        the flame, the average period of flaming and/or smoldering after        removing the igniting flame does not exceed ten seconds and none        of the vertically placed samples produces drips of burning        particles that ignite absorbent cotton. Five bar flame out time        (FOT) is the sum of the flame out time for five bars, each lit        twice for a maximum flame out time of 50 seconds.    -   V1: In a sample placed so that its long axis is 180 degrees to        the flame, the average period of flaming and/or smoldering after        removing the igniting flame does not exceed 30 sec and none of        the vertically placed samples produces drips of burning        particles that ignite absorbent cotton. Five bar flame out time        is the sum of the flame out time for five bars, each lit twice        for a maximum flame out time of 250 seconds.    -   V2: In a sample placed so that its long axis is 180 degrees to        the flame, the average period of flaming and/or smoldering after        removing the igniting flame does not exceed 30 sec, but the        vertically placed samples produce drips of burning particles        that ignite cotton. Five bar flame out time is the sum of the        flame out time for five bars, each lit twice for a maximum flame        out time of 250 seconds.

E. Anti-Drip Agents

Anti-drip agents can also be used in the composition, for example afibril forming or non-fibril forming fluoropolymer such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The anti-drip agent can be encapsulatedby a rigid copolymer as described above, for examplestyrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). PTFE encapsulated in SAN is knownas TSAN. Encapsulated fluoropolymers can be made by polymerizing theencapsulating polymer in the presence of the fluoropolymer, for examplean aqueous dispersion. An exemplary TSAN can comprise 50 weight percentPTFE and 50 weight percent SAN, based on the total weight of theencapsulated fluoropolymer. The SAN can comprise, for example, 75 weightpercent styrene and 25 weight percent acrylonitrile based on the totalweight of the copolymer. Alternatively, the fluoropolymer can bepre-blended in some manner with a second polymer, such as for, example,an aromatic polycarbonate or SAN to form an agglomerated material foruse as an anti-drip agent. Either method can be used to produce anencapsulated fluoropolymer.

In another embodiment, the fluorinated polyolefin is a fibril formingfluorinated polyolefin.

In another embodiment, the fibril forming fluorinated polyolefin is apolytetrafluoroethylene.

In another embodiment, the polytetrafluorethylene is combined withpolystyrene acrylonitrile (SAN).

The amount of anti-drip agent can vary, depending, for example, onperformance properties. Sometimes an antidrip agent may be necessary andother times it is not necessary.

In one embodiment, the anti-drip agent in said composition is from 0 wt% to about 1 wt %. In another embodiment, the anti-drip agent in saidcomposition is 0.3 wt %. FIG. 3 (TSAN figure) shows the effects ofvarious formulations containing PTFE and TSAN.

In another embodiment, the composition contains up to about 1 wt % of anantidrip agent, e.g. PTFE and/or TSAN.

F. Additives

Various additives, other than anti-drip agents, can be incorporated intothe composition of matters encompassed by this disclosure/claimedinvention. In addition, surface additives can be added to molded partsderived from said composition.

In one embodiment, the composition contains one or more additivesselected from at least one of the following: UV stabilizing additives,thermal stabilizing additives, mold release agents, colorants, organicand inorganic fillers, and gamma-stabilizing agents.

The amount of additives depend on various factors that would berecognized by one of ordinary skill the art, including, but not limitedto, end-use requirements and/or effect on electrical trackingresistance, flame retardancy, and/or impact strength.

G. Carbon Black

Carbon black can also be utilized in the composition encompassed by thisdisclosure.

Carbon back is widely used in the plastics industry as a colorant tocreate black or grey products.

One purpose of carbon black in formulations embodied by this disclosureis to impart a black or a gray appearance to a molded part derivedtherefrom. Specifically, the addition of TiO₂ tends to whiten the colorof a molded product and therefore the addition of carbon black,facilitates the gray or grayish black color appearance of a product thatis molded from a formulation containing TiO₂.

The selection of the type of carbon black and the amount of carbon blackused in the electrical tracking resistance formulation depends on theflame retardance, low temperature impact and electrical trackingresistance performance, in combination with the color of the partdesired. In some formulations the addition of carbon black provides agrayish color and also improves flame retardancy. At higher levelscarbon black provides a darker color but there may be a negativeinfluence on both impact and electrical tracking resistance performance.

Carbon black can be obtained from various suppliers, including, Degussaand Cabot Company.

In another embodiment, the wt % of the carbon black in the compositionis less than 1 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the wt % of the carbon black in the compositionis less than or equal to 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of thecomposition.

In another embodiment the wt % of the carbon black in the composition isgreater than or equal to 0.25 wt % but less than or equal to 0.5 wt %.

H. Polycarbonate Synthesis Protocols and Formulation Protocols

Polycarbonate containing materials can be manufactured by processes suchas interfacial polymerization or melt polymerization. Although thereaction conditions for interfacial polymerization can vary, anexemplary process generally involves dissolving or dispersing a dihydricphenol reactant in aqueous caustic soda or potash, adding the resultingmixture to a water-immiscible solvent medium, and contacting thereactants with a carbonate precursor in the presence of a catalyst suchas, for example, a tertiary amine or a phase transfer catalyst, undercontrolled pH conditions, e.g., 8 to 11. The most commonly used waterimmiscible solvents include methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane,chlorobenzene, toluene, and the like.

Exemplary carbonate precursors include, for example, a carbonyl halidesuch as carbonyl bromide or carbonyl chloride, or a haloformate such asa bishaloformates of a dihydric phenol (e.g., the bischloroformates ofbisphenol A, hydroquinone, or the like) or a glycol (e.g., thebishaloformate of ethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, polyethyleneglycol, or the like). Combinations comprising at least one of theforegoing types of carbonate precursors can also be used. In anexemplary embodiment, an interfacial polymerization reaction to formcarbonate linkages uses phosgene as a carbonate precursor, and isreferred to as a phosgenation reaction.

Among tertiary amines that can be used are aliphatic tertiary aminessuch as triethylamine, tributylamine, cycloaliphatic amines such asN,N-diethyl-cyclohexylamine and aromatic tertiary amines such asN,N-dimethylaniline.

Among the phase transfer catalysts that can be used are catalysts of theformula (R³)₄Q⁺X, wherein each R³ is the same or different, and is aC₁₋₁₀ alkyl group; Q is a nitrogen or phosphorus atom; and X is ahalogen atom or a C₁₋₈ alkoxy group or C₆₋₁₈ aryloxy group. Exemplaryphase transfer catalysts include, for example, [CH₃(CH₂)₃]₄NX,[CH₃(CH₂)₃]₄PX, [CH₃(CH₂)₅]₄NX, [CH₃(CH₂)₆]₄NX, [CH₃(CH₂)₄]₄NX,CH₃[CH₃(CH₂)₃]₃NX, and CH₃[CH₃(CH₂)₂]₃NX, wherein X is Cl⁻, Br⁻, a C₁₋₈alkoxy group or a C₆₋₁₈ aryloxy group. An effective amount of a phasetransfer catalyst can be 0.1 to 10 wt. % based on the weight ofbisphenol in the phosgenation mixture. In another embodiment aneffective amount of phase transfer catalyst can be 0.5 to 2 wt. % basedon the weight of bisphenol in the phosgenation mixture.

Alternatively, melt processes can be used to make the polycarbonates.Generally, in the melt polymerization process, polycarbonates can beprepared by co-reacting, in a molten state, the dihydroxy reactant(s)and a diaryl carbonate ester, such as diphenyl carbonate, in thepresence of a transesterification catalyst in a Banbury® mixer, twinscrew extruder, or the like to form a uniform dispersion. Volatilemonohydric phenol is removed from the molten reactants by distillationand the polymer is isolated as a molten residue. A specifically usefulmelt process for making polycarbonates uses a diaryl carbonate esterhaving electron-withdrawing substituents on the aryls. Examples ofspecifically useful diaryl carbonate esters with electron withdrawingsubstituents include bis(4-nitrophenyl)carbonate,bis(2-chlorophenyl)carbonate, bis(4-chlorophenyl)carbonate, bis(methylsalicyl)carbonate, bis(4-methylcarboxylphenyl) carbonate,bis(2-acetylphenyl) carboxylate, bis(4-acetylphenyl) carboxylate, or acombination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Exemplary transesterification catalysts for making polycarbonate using amelt process include acetates, carbonates, borates, borohydrides,oxides, hydroxides, hydrides, and alcoholates of various metalsincluding alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, and potassium, alkaliearth metals such as magnesium, calcium and barium and other metals suchas zinc, cadmium, tin, antimony, lead, manganese cobalt, or nickel. Inaddition, other useful transesterification catalysts include basic saltsof nitrogen or phosphorus such as tetrabutylammonium hydroxide,methyltributylammonium hydroxide, tetrabutylammonium acetate,tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide, tetrabutylphosphonium acetate,tetrabutylphosphonium phenolate. Combinations of at least one of theforegoing are also useful.

Thermoplastic compositions comprising the polycarbonates and otherelements of desired formulation can be manufactured by various methods.For example, polycarbonate, polysiloxane block co-polycarbonates, flameretardant (e.g. brominated organic flame retardant), titanium dioxideand/or carbon black and/or other optional components are first blendedin a HENSCHEL-Mixer® high speed mixer. Other low shear processes,including but not limited to hand mixing, can also accomplish thisblending. The blend is then fed into the throat of a single ortwin-screw extruder via a hopper. Alternatively, at least one of thecomponents can be incorporated into the composition by feeding directlyinto the extruder at the throat and/or downstream through a sidestuffer.Additives can also be compounded into a masterbatch with a desiredpolymeric resin and fed into the extruder. The extruder is generallyoperated at a temperature higher than that necessary to cause thecomposition to flow. The extrudate is immediately quenched in a waterbatch and pelletized. The pellets, so prepared, when cutting theextrudate can be one-fourth inch long or less, as desired. Such pelletscan be used for subsequent molding, shaping, or forming.

Protocols may be adjusted so as to obtain a desired product within thescope of this disclosure and this can be done without undueexperimentation.

I. Articles of Manufacture

Various articles of manufacture derived from the claimed compositionsare encompassed by this disclosure.

In one embodiment, an insulating material comprising the compositionsencompassed by this invention is disclosed.

In another embodiment, at least one of the following articles arecontained in or are derived from the compositions encompassed by thisdisclosure: a solar apparatus, an electrical junction box, an electricalconnector, an electrical vehicle charger, an outdoor electricalenclosure, a smart meter enclosure, a smart grid power node, PV(photovoltaic) frame, and minature circuit breaker (MCB) applications.

Shaped, formed, or molded articles comprising the polycarbonate resincompositions are provided herein. The compositions can be molded intouseful shaped articles by a variety of means such as injection molding,extrusion, rotational molding, blow molding and thermoforming to formarticles. One of ordinary skill in the art can select the protocolwithout undue experimentation to meet end-sue requirements.

J. Preferred Embodiments J1. Electrical Tracking Resistance/Impact

As stated above, the composition comprises: at least one polycarbonatethat is a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; optionally abrominated organic flame retardant; optionally a fluorinated polyolefin;optionally one or more additives that impart a desired performanceproperty; and optionally a carbon black containing material, wherein thecomposition has a notched izod impact at −30° C. of at least 35 kJ/m² ata thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180 standard with a 5.5 J hammerand further wherein the composition does not show tracking through atleast 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride at 250V according toASTM D-3638.

In one embodiment, the polycarbonate is derived from at least one ormore bisphenols and one of the bisphenols is Bisphenol-A.

In another embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100.

or structure 2,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups, R² comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups and Ehas an average value of 20 to 100.

In another embodiment, the average value of E of structure 1 is 20 to60.

In another embodiment, the average value of E of structure 1 30 to 50.

In another embodiment, the transition metal oxide is a titanium dioxide.

In another embodiment, the titanium dioxide is an inorganic coatedtitanium dioxide without an organic coating.

In another embodiment, the titanium dioxide is an organic coatedtitanium dioxide with an organic coating.

In another embodiment, the organic coating is a polysiloxane coating.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant has abromine content of between 0.3 and 10 wt % bromine atoms based on thetotal weight of the composition. In a further embodiment, the brominecontent is between 1.0 and 10 wt % bromine atoms based on the weight ofthe total composition. In a further embodiment the bromine content isbetween 2 and 10 wt % based on the weight of the total composition. In afurther embodiment the bromine content is between 2 and 6 wt % based onthe total weight of the composition. In a further embodiment the brominecontent is between 2.5 and 3 wt % based on the total weight of thecomposition.

In another embodiment, the transitional metal oxide is chromium dioxide.

In another embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 3:

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ isindependently a divalent C₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same ordifferent, and may be a halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl, or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy,wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, and wherein E has anaverage value of 20 to 100. In a further embodiment, the transitionalmetal oxide is titanium dioxide with an average particle size of greaterthan or equal to 100 nm. In yet a further embodiment, the transitionalmetal oxide is titanium dioxide with an average particle size of lessthan 350 nm.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises: a polycarbonate thatis a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; 5 to 45 wt % of apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of a transitionalmetal oxide; optionally a brominated organic flame retardant; optionallya fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart adesired performance property; and optionally a carbon black containingmaterial, wherein the composition has a notched izod impact of at −30°C. of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180standard with a 5.5 J hammer and further wherein the composition doesnot show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammoniumchloride solution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638. In a furtherembodiment, the transitional metal oxide is titanium dioxide or othertransition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In further embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 3:

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ isindependently a divalent C₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same ordifferent, and may be a halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl, or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy,wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, and wherein E has anaverage value of 20 to 100. In yet a further embodiment, when thepolycarbonate that is derived from structure 3, contains a transitionalmetal oxide that is titanium dioxide or other transition metal oxidesencompassed by this disclosure.

In a further embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and a polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure

wherein E is an average value 35 to 55.

In another embodiment, the composition has 7.5 to 25 wt % of apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; 5 to 15 wt % of titanium dioxide;optionally 2 to 6 wt % of a brominated organic flame retardant; andoptionally 0.1 to 0.5 wt % of a fluorinated polyolefin.

Compositions encompassed by this disclosure can include carbon black. Inone embodiment, the wt % of the carbon black in the composition is lessthan 1 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the wt % of the carbon black in the compositionis less than 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

The compositions encompassed by this disclosure can be used to makevarious articles of manufacture.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture contains a polycarbonatethat is at least one polycarbonate that is not a polysiloxaneblock-co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; atransition metal oxide; optionally a brominated organic flame retardant;optionally a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additivesthat impart a desired performance property; and optionally a carbonblack containing material, wherein the composition has a notched izodimpact at −30° C. of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mmaccording to ISO-180 standard with a 5.5 J hammer and further whereinthe composition does not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride at 250V according to ASTM D-3638. In afurther embodiment, the transition metal oxide is titanium dioxide orother transition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture contains apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate that is derived from at leastBisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s), and polysiloxanebisphenol having the structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100.

or structure 2,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups, R2 comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups and Ehas an average value of 20 to 100. In a further embodiment, thetransition metal oxide is titanium dioxide or other transition metaloxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture contains compositioncomprising: at least one a polycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxaneblock-co-polycarbonate; 5 to 45 wt % of a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of a transitional metal oxide; optionallya brominated organic flame retardant; optionally a fluorinatedpolyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart a desiredperformance property; and optionally a carbon black containing material,wherein the composition has a notched izod impact of at −30° C. of atleast 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180 standardwith a 5.5 J hammer and further wherein the composition does not showtracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloridesolution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638.

In a further embodiment, the article of manufacture contains apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate that is derived from at leastBisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s) and polysiloxanebisphenol having the structure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100.

In a further embodiment, the article of manufacture contains apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate derived from at least Bisphenol-A ordihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s), and a polysiloxane bisphenolhaving the structure

wherein E is average value of 35 to 55.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture is an insulatingmaterial.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture is selected from atleast one of the following: a solar apparatus, an electrical junctionbox, an electrical connector, an electrical vehicle charger, an outdoorelectrical enclosure, a smart meter enclosure, a smart grid power node,PV frame, and MCB applications. The compositions of this disclosure canbe embodied in at least one of these apparatuses.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture is a junction box. Thecompositions of this disclosure can be embodied in this apparatus.

A method of controlling the tracking of an electrical current of anarticle of manufacture containing a polycarbonate containing material isencompassed by this disclosure.

In one embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of an electricalcurrent of an article of manufacture containing a polycarbonatecontaining material comprises providing at least one polycarbonate thatis a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; optionally a brominatedorganic flame retardant; optionally a fluorinated polyolefin; optionallyone or more additives that impart a desired performance property; andoptionally a carbon black containing material, wherein the compositionhas a notched izod impact at −30° C. of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thicknessof 3.0 mm according to ISO-180 standard with a 5.5 J hammer and furtherwherein the composition does not show tracking through at least 50 dropsof a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride at 250V according to ASTM D-3638. Ina further embodiment, the transition metal oxide is titanium dioxide orother transition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure; andprocessing said polycarbonate containing material to form an article ofmanufacture.

In a further embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture contains a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate that is derived from at least Bisphenol-A ordihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol havingthe structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100.

or structure 2,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups, R2 comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups and Ehas an average value of 20 to 100; disclosure; and processing saidpolycarbonate containing material to form an article of manufacture. Ina further embodiment, the transition metal oxide is titanium dioxide orother transition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In another embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture containing apolycarbonate containing material comprises providing at least onepolycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; 5 to45 wt % of a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of atransitional metal oxide; optionally a brominated organic flameretardant; optionally a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or moreadditives that impart a desired performance property; and optionally acarbon black containing material, wherein the composition has a notchedizod impact of at −30° C. of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mmaccording to ISO-180 standard with a 5.5 J hammer and further whereinthe composition does not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTMD-3638; and processing said polycarbonate containing material to form anarticle of manufacture.

In further embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture contains a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate that is derived from at least Bisphenol-A ordihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s) and polysiloxane bisphenol havingthe structure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4;disclosure; and processing said polycarbonate containing material toform an article of manufacture, wherein E has an average value of 20 to100.

In further embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current contains a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonatederived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and a polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure

wherein E is an average value of 35 to 55; and processing saidpolycarbonate containing material to form an article of manufacture.

The articles of manufacture processed by this protocol include thearticles of manufacture encompassed by this disclosure and otherapplicable articles that would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

J2. Electrical Tracking Resistance/FR

As stated above, the composition comprises: at least one polycarbonatethat is not a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; a brominated organic flameretardant or a halogen organic flame retardant compound; optionally 0 to1 wt % of a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additivesthat impart a desired performance property; and optionally a carbonblack containing material, wherein said composition has a p(FTP)V0flammability rating>0.85 at 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.8 mm or between 1.5 mmand 0.8 mm according to the method of UL 94, and further wherein thecomposition does not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1%aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638.

In another embodiment, the polycarbonate is derived from at least one ormore bisphenols and one of the bisphenols is Bisphenol-A.

In another embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100 or structure 2,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups, R² comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups and Ehas an average value of 20 to 100.

In another embodiment, the average value of E of structure 1 is 20 to60.

In another embodiment, the average value of E of structure 1 is 30 to50.

In another embodiment, the transition metal oxide is a titanium dioxide.

In another embodiment, the titanium dioxide is an inorganic coatedtitanium dioxide without an organic coating.

In another embodiment, the titanium dioxide is an organic coatedtitanium dioxide with an organic coating.

In another embodiment, the organic coating is a polysiloxane coating.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant has abromine content of between 0.3 and 10 wt % bromine atoms based on thetotal weight of the composition. In a further embodiment, the brominecontent is between 1.0 and 10 wt % bromine atoms based on the weight ofthe total composition. In a further embodiment the bromine content isbetween 2 and 10 wt % based on the weight of the total composition. In afurther embodiment the bromine content is between 2 and 6 wt % based onthe total weight of the composition. In a further embodiment the brominecontent is between 2.5 and 3 wt % based on the total weight of thecomposition.

In another embodiment the transitional metal oxide is chromium dioxide.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant is atleast one of the following: a brominated polycarbonate, a brominatedpolycarbonate oligomer, a brominated polyacrylate, a brominatedpolyether oligomer, a brominated polyether, and a brominated polyimide.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant is apolycarbonate copolymer derived from at least a bisphenol-A and a2,2′6,6′-tetrabromo bisphenol-A and wherein the average wt % of bromineatoms in the polycarbonate copolymer is 26 wt % bromine atoms based onthe total weight of the polycarbonate copolymer.

In another embodiment, the fluorinated polyolefin is a fibril formingfluorinated polyolefin.

In another embodiment, the fibril forming fluorinated polyolefin is apolytetrafluoroethylene.

In another embodiment, the polytetrafluorethylene is combined withpolystyrene acrylonitrile (SAN).

In another embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100. In a further embodiment,the transitional metal oxide is titanium dioxide with an averageparticle size of greater than or equal to 100 nm. In a furtherembodiment, the titanium dioxide has an average particle size of lessthan (“<”) 350 nm.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises: at least onepolycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; 5 to45 wt % of a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of atransitional metal oxide; 1 to 20 wt % or 2 to 6 wt % of bromine atomsfrom a brominated containing flame retardant; optionally 0 to 1 wt % ofa fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart adesired performance; and optionally a carbon black containing material,wherein said composition has a p(FTP) V0 flammability rating of >0.85 at1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.8 mm or between 1.5 mm and 0.8 mm according to themethod of UL 94, and further wherein the composition does not showtracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloridesolution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638. In a further embodiment, thetransitional metal oxide is titanium dioxide or other transition metaloxides encompassed by this disclosure. In a further embodiment, thecomposition comprises: the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s) and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100. In a further embodiment,the transitional metal oxide is titanium dioxide dioxide or othertransition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In a further embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and a polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure

wherein E is average value of 35 to 55.

In yet a further embodiment, the composition has 7.5 to 25 wt % of apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; 5 to 15 wt % of titanium dioxide;optionally 2 to 6 wt % of bromine atoms from a brominated organic flameretardant or a halogen organic flame retardant compound; and optionally0.1 to 0.5 wt % of a fluorinated polyolefin.

Compositions encompassed by this disclosure can include carbon black.

In one embodiment, the wt % of the carbon black in the composition isless than 1 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the wt % of the carbon black in the compositionis less than 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

The compositions encompassed by this disclosure can be used to makevarious articles of manufacture.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture contains at least onepolycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; abrominated organic flame retardant or halogen organic flame retardant;optionally a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additivesthat impart a desired performance property; and optionally a carbonblack containing material, wherein said composition has a p(FTP)V0flammability rating>0.85 at 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.8 mm or between 1.5 mmand 0.8 mm according to the method of UL 94, and further wherein thecomposition does not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1%aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638. Ina further embodiment, the transition metal oxide is titanium dioxide orother transition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture contains apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate that is derived from at leastBisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s), and polysiloxanebisphenol having the structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100.

or structure 2,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups, R2 comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups and Ehas an average value of 20 to 100. In a further embodiment, thetransition metal oxide is titanium dioxide or other transition metaloxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture contains compositioncomprising: at least one a polycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxaneblock-co-polycarbonate; 5 to 45 wt % of a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of a transitional metal oxide; abrominated organic flame retardant or a halogen organic flame retardantcompound; optionally a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or moreadditives that impart a desired performance property; and optionally acarbon black containing material, wherein said composition has ap(FTP)V0 flammability rating>0.85 at 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.8 mm orbetween 1.5 mm and 0.8 mm according to the method of UL 94, and furtherwherein the composition does not show tracking through at least 50 dropsof a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTMD-3638.

In a further embodiment, the article of manufacture contains apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate is derived from at least Bisphenol-Aor dihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s) and polysiloxane bisphenolhaving the structure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100.

In a further embodiment, the article of manufacture contains apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate derived from at least Bisphenol-A ordihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s), and a polysiloxane bisphenolhaving the structure

wherein E is average value of 35 to 55.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture is an insulatingmaterial.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture is selected from atleast one of the following: a solar apparatus, an electrical junctionbox, an electrical connector, an electrical vehicle charger, an outdoorelectrical enclosure, a smart meter enclosure, and a smart grid powernode, PV frame, and MCB applications. The compositions of thisdisclosure can be embodied in at least one of these apparatuses.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture is a junction box. Thecompositions of this disclosure can be embodied in this apparatus.

A method of controlling the tracking of an electrical current of anarticle of manufacture containing a polycarbonate containing material isencompassed by this disclosure.

In one embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of an electricalcurrent of an article of manufacture containing a polycarbonatecontaining material comprises providing at least one polycarbonate thatis a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; a brominated organic flameretardant or a halogen organic flame retardant compound; optionally afluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart adesired performance property; and optionally a carbon black containingmaterial, wherein said composition has a p(FTP)V0 flammabilityrating>0.85 at 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.8 mm or between 1.5 mm and 0.8 mmaccording to the method of UL 94, and further wherein the compositiondoes not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueousammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638; andprocessing said polycarbonate containing material to form an article ofmanufacture.

In another embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture containing apolycarbonate containing material comprises providing a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate that is derived from at least Bisphenol-A ordihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol havingthe structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100.

or structure 2,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups, R2 comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups and Ehas an average value of 20 to 100; disclosure; and processing saidpolycarbonate containing material to form an article of manufacture. Ina further embodiment, the transition metal oxide is titanium dioxide orother transition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In another embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture containing apolycarbonate containing material comprises providing a polycarbonatethat is a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; 5 to 45 wt % of apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of a transitionalmetal oxide; a brominated organic flame retardant or a halogencontaining flame retardant; optionally a fluorinated polyolefin;optionally one or more additives that impart a desired performanceproperty; and optionally a carbon black containing material, whereinsaid composition has a p(FTP)V0 flammability rating>0.85 at 1.5 mm, 1.0mm, or 0.8 mm or between 1.5 mm and 0.8 mm according to the method of UL94, and further wherein the composition does not show tracking throughat least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250Vaccording to ASTM D-3638; and processing said polycarbonate containingmaterial to form an article of manufacture.

In further embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current contains a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate thatis derived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s) and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4;disclosure, wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100; and processingsaid polycarbonate containing material to form an article ofmanufacture.

In another embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture contains a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate derived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxyaromatic containing unit(s), and a polysiloxane bisphenol having thestructure

wherein E is an average value of 35 to 55; and processing saidpolycarbonate containing material to form an article of manufacture.

The articles of manufacture processed by this protocol include thearticles of manufacture encompassed by this disclosure and otherapplicable articles that would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

J3. Electrical Tracking Resistance/FR/Impact

As stated above, the composition comprises: at least one polycarbonatethat is not a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; a brominated organic flameretardant or a halogen organic flame retardant compound; optionally 0 to1 wt % of a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additivesthat impart a desired performance property; and optionally a carbonblack containing material, wherein the composition has a notched izodimpact at −30° C. of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mmaccording to ISO-180 standard with a 5.5 J hammer and wherein thecomposition has a p(FTP) V0 flammability rating if at least 0.85 at 0.8mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mm according to the method of UL 94, and furtherwherein the composition does not show tracking through at least 50 dropsof a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTMD-3638.

In another embodiment, the polycarbonate is derived from at least one ormore bisphenols and one of the bisphenols is Bisphenol-A.

In another embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100 or structure 2,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups, R2 comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups and Ehas an average value of 20 to 100.

In another embodiment, the average value of E of structure 1 of 20 to60.

In another embodiment, the average value of E of structure 1 of 30 to50.

In another embodiment, the transition metal oxide is a titanium dioxide.

In another embodiment, the titanium dioxide is an inorganic coatedtitanium dioxide without an organic coating.

In another embodiment, the titanium dioxide is an organic coatedtitanium dioxide with an organic coating.

In another embodiment, the organic coating is a polysiloxane coating.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant has abromine content of between 0.3 and 10 wt % bromine atoms based on thetotal weight of the composition. In a further embodiment, the brominecontent is between 1.0 and 10 wt % bromine atoms based on the weight ofthe total composition. In a further embodiment the bromine content isbetween 2 and 10 wt % based on the weight of the total composition. In afurther embodiment the bromine content is between 2 and 6 wt % based onthe total weight of the composition. In a further embodiment the brominecontent is between 2.5 and 3 wt % based on the total weight of thecomposition.

In another embodiment the transitional metal oxide is chromium dioxide.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant is atleast one of the following: a brominated polycarbonate, a brominatedpolycarbonate oligomer, a brominated acrylate, a brominated polyether, abrominated polyether oligomer, and a brominated phthalimide.

In another embodiment, the brominated organic flame retardant is apolycarbonate copolymer derived from at least a bisphenol-A and a2,2′6,6′-tetrabromo bisphenol-A and wherein the average wt % of bromineatoms in the polycarbonate copolymer is 26 wt % bromine atoms based onthe total weight of the polycarbonate copolymer.

In another embodiment, the fluorinated polyolefin is a fibril formingfluorinated polyolefin.

In another embodiment, the fibril forming fluorinated polyolefin is apolytetrafluoroethylene.

In another embodiment, the polytetrafluorethylene is combined withpolystyrene acrylonitrile (SAN).

In another embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100. In a further embodiment,the transitional metal oxide is titanium dioxide with an averageparticle size of greater than or equal to 100 nm. In a furtherembodiment, transitional metal oxide is titanium dioxide with an averageparticle size of <350 nm.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises: at least onepolycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; 5 to45 wt % of a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of atransitional metal oxide; 2 wt % to 6 wt % of bromine atoms from abrominated organic flame retardant; optionally 0 to 1 wt % of afluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart adesired performance property; and optionally a carbon black containingmaterial, wherein the composition has a notched izod impact at −30° C.of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180standard with a 5.5 J hammer and wherein the composition has a p(FTP) V0flammability rating if at least 0.85 at 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mmaccording to the method of UL 94, and further wherein the compositiondoes not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueousammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638. In afurther embodiment, the transitional metal oxide is titanium dioxide orother transition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In a further embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s) and polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100. In a further embodiment,the transitional metal oxide is titanium dioxide or other transitionmetal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In a further embodiment, the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate isderived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containingunit(s), and a polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure

wherein E is 35-55.

In another embodiment, the composition has 7.5 to 25 wt % of apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; 5 to 15 wt % of titanium dioxide;optionally 2 to 6 wt % of a brominated atoms or a halogen organic flameretardant compound; and optionally 0.1 to 0.5 wt % of a fluorinatedpolyolefin.

Compositions encompassed by this disclosure can include carbon black.

In another embodiment, the wt % of the carbon black in the compositionis less than 1 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the wt % of the carbon black in the compositionis less than 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

The compositions encompassed by this disclosure can be used to makevarious articles of manufacture.

In one embodiment, the article of manufacture contains a polycarbonatethat is a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; a brominated organicflame retardant or a halogen containing flame retardant; optionally afluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart adesired performance property; and optionally a carbon black containingmaterial, wherein the composition has a notched izod impact at −30° C.of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180standard with a 5.5 J hammer and wherein the composition has a p(FTP) V0flammability rating if at least 0.85 at 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mmaccording to the method of UL 94, and further wherein the compositiondoes not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueousammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638. In afurther embodiment, the transition metal oxide is titanium dioxide orother transition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture contains apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate that is derived from at leastBisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s), and polysiloxanebisphenol having the structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100.

or structure 2,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups, R2 comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups and Ehas an average value of 20 to 100. In a further embodiment, thetransition metal oxide is titanium dioxide or other transition metaloxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture contains compositioncomprising: at least one a polycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxaneblock-co-polycarbonate; 5 to 45 wt % of a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of a transitional metal oxide; abrominated organic flame retardant or a halogen organic flame retardant;optionally a fluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additives;and optionally a carbon black containing material, wherein thecomposition has a notched izod impact at −30° C. of at least 35 kJ/m² ata thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180 standard with a 5.5 J hammerand wherein the composition has a p(FTP) V0 flammability rating if atleast 0.85 at 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mm according to the method of UL94, and further wherein the composition does not show tracking throughat least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250Vaccording to ASTM D-3638.

In a further embodiment, the article of manufacture contains apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate that is derived from at leastBisphenol-A or dihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s) and polysiloxanebisphenol having the structure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100.

In a further embodiment, the article of manufacture contains apolysiloxane block co-polycarbonate derived from at least Bisphenol-A ordihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s), and a polysiloxane bisphenolhaving the structure

wherein E is an average value of 35 to 55.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture is an insulatingmaterial.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture is selected from atleast one of the following: a solar apparatus, an electrical junctionbox, an electrical connector, an electrical vehicle charger, an outdoorelectrical enclosure, a smart meter enclosure, a smart grid power node,PV frames, and MCBs. The compositions of this disclosure can be embodiedin at least one of these apparatuses.

In another embodiment, the article of manufacture is a junction box. Thecompositions of this disclosure can be embodied in this apparatus.

A method of controlling the tracking of an electrical current of anarticle of manufacture containing a polycarbonate containing material isencompassed by this disclosure.

In one embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of an electricalcurrent of an article of manufacture containing a polycarbonatecontaining material comprises providing at least one polycarbonate thatis a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; a transition metal oxide; a brominated organic flameretardant or a halogen containing flame retardant; optionally afluorinated polyolefin; optionally one or more additives that impart adesired performance property; and optionally a carbon black containingmaterial, wherein the composition has a notched izod impact at −30° C.of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180standard with a 5.5 J hammer and wherein the composition has a p(FTP) V0flammability rating if at least 0.85 at 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mmaccording to the method of UL 94, and further wherein the compositiondoes not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueousammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638.

In a further embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture contains a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate that is derived from at least Bisphenol-A ordihydroxy aromatic containing unit(s), and polysiloxane bisphenol havingthe structure 1,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups and Ar comprises aC₆-C₃₀ aromatic group or a combination of aromatic and aliphatic groupsand E has an average value of 20 to 100.

or structure 2,

wherein R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or aromatic group or acombination of said aliphatic and said aromatic groups, R2 comprises aC₇-C₃₀ aliphatic or a combination of aliphatic and aromatic groups and Ehas an average value of 20 to 100; and processing said polycarbonatecontaining material to form an article of manufacture. In a furtherembodiment, the transition metal oxide is titanium dioxide or othertransition metal oxides encompassed by this disclosure.

In a further embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture containing apolycarbonate containing material comprises providing at least onepolycarbonate that is a not a polysiloxane block-co-polycarbonate; 5 to45 wt % of a polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate; 3 to 40 wt % of atransitional metal oxide; a brominated organic flame retardant or ahalogen organic flame retardant; optionally a fluorinated polyolefin;optionally one or more additives; and optionally a carbon blackcontaining material, wherein the composition has a notched izod impactat −30° C. of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according toISO-180 standard with a 5.5 J hammer and wherein the composition has ap(FTP) V0 flammability rating if at least 0.85 at 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, and1.5 mm according to the method of UL 94, and further wherein thecomposition does not show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1%aqueous ammonium chloride solution at 250V according to ASTM D-3638.

In a further embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture contains a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate is derived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxyaromatic containing unit(s) and polysiloxane bisphenol having thestructure 3:

R comprises a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic group or a combination ofsaid aliphatic or said aromatic groups, R³ is independently a divalentC₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M may be the same or different, and may be ahalogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl,or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4;disclosure, wherein E has an average value of 20 to 100; and processingsaid polycarbonate containing material to form an article ofmanufacture.

In a further embodiment, a method of controlling the tracking of anelectrical current of an article of manufacture contains a polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate derived from at least Bisphenol-A or dihydroxyaromatic containing unit(s), and a polysiloxane bisphenol having thestructure

wherein E is an average value of 35 to 55; and processing saidpolycarbonate containing material to form an article of manufacture.

The articles of manufacture processed by this protocol include thearticles of manufacture encompassed by this disclosure and otherapplicable articles that would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

The present invention is more particularly described in the followingdescription and examples that are intended to be illustrative only sincenumerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. As used in the specification and in the claims, theterm “comprising” may include the embodiments “consisting of” and“consisting essentially of.”

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints and areindependently combinable. The endpoints of the ranges and any valuesdisclosed herein are not limited to the precise range or value; they aresufficiently imprecise to include values approximating these rangesand/or values. Ranges articulated within this disclosure, e.g.numerics/values, shall include disclosure for possession purposes andclaim purposes of the individual points within the range, sub-ranges,and combinations thereof. As an example, for the recitation of numericranges herein, each intervening number there between with the samedegree of precision is explicitly contemplated—for the range of 6-9, thenumbers 7 and 8 are contemplated in addition to 6 and 9, and for therange 6.0-7.0, the number 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8,6.9, and 7.0 are explicitly contemplated.

Various combinations of elements of this disclosure are encompassed bythis invention, e.g. combinations of elements from dependent claims thatdepend upon the same independent claim.

The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limitingexamples.

EXAMPLES Protocols

Electrical Tracking Resistance:

Electrical tracking resistance tests were performed on a 3 mm squareplaque (6×6 cm) in accordance with the ASTM D-3638. The test can bestarted at any given voltage. At each voltage 5 specimens are tested andthe average number of drops is recorded. The test is performed at (atleast) 4 different voltages, where there should be at least two datapoints with an average number of drops higher than 50 and two datapoints with an average number of drops lower than 50. A voltageextrapolation to 50 drops is made, as shown in figure A.2, and based onthis voltage (V_(ASTM)) a PLC class is assigned. This assignment is doneaccording to the table below.

V_(ASTM) PLC <100 5 100-174 4 175-249 3 250-399 2 400-599 1 ≧600 0

A screening method was employed to predict the CTI-2 performance formost of the samples described in this application. The screening methodemployed the ASTM D-3638 method but testing was conducted at only onevoltage, 250 V. The number of drops until failure was recorded and nomore than 100 drops were applied. A prediction of a CTI-2 rating for asample was based on reaching at least 50 drops of the electrolytesolution before failure at 250 V. A prediction of not receiving a CTIrating was based on failure before reaching 50 drops of the electrolytesolution at 250 V. The screening method for predicting CTI-2 rating isidentified throughout the disclosure as the CTI test.

Impact Measurements: INI Method

ISO Izod impact measurements were performed on notched 3 mm ISO bars atvarious temperatures, in accordance with the ISO-180 standard with a 5.5J hammer Ductility was expressed as the percentage of bars that showedductile. The polycarbonate test bar has undergone ductile failure in anotched izod test if, after impact, the bar remains as a single piece,with the two ends of the bar attached and rigid (i.e. self supporting).A test bar has undergone brittle failure if after impact either the twoends of the bar have broken into two separate pieces or if they areattached by only a thin, flexible connection of plastic.

MVR:

Melt volume rates were measured in accordance with the 150-1133 standardat 300° C. under a load of 1.2 kg with residence time of 5 minutes or 15minutes (dwell-MVR). The granules were dried for 2 hours at 120° C.

Flamability Testing:

UL 94 Testing:

Flammability tests were performed following the procedure ofUnderwriter's Laboratory Bulletin 94 entitled “Tests for Flammability ofPlastic Materials, UL94.” Several ratings can be applied based on therate of burning, time to extinguish, ability to resist dripping, andwhether or not drips are burning. According to this procedure, materialscan be classified as UL94 HB, V0, V1, V2, on the basis of the testresults obtained for five samples.

-   -   HB: In a 5-inch sample, placed so that the long axis of the        sample is horizontal to the flame, the rate of burn of the        sample is less than 3 inches per minute, and the flame is        extinguished before 4 inches of sample are burned.    -   V0: In a sample placed so that its long axis is 180 degrees to        the flame, the average period of flaming and/or smoldering after        removing the igniting flame does not exceed ten seconds and none        of the vertically placed samples produces drips of burning        particles that ignite absorbent cotton. Five bar flame out time        (FOT) is the sum of the flame out time for five bars, each lit        twice for a maximum flame out time of 50 seconds.    -   V1: In a sample placed so that its long axis is 180 degrees to        the flame, the average period of flaming and/or smoldering after        removing the igniting flame does not exceed 30 seconds and none        of the vertically placed samples produces drips of burning        particles that ignite absorbent cotton. Five bar flame out time        is the sum of the flame out time for five bars, each lit twice        for a maximum flame out time of 250 seconds.    -   V2: In a sample placed so that its long axis is 180 degrees to        the flame, the average period of flaming and/or smoldering after        removing the igniting flame does not exceed 30 seconds, but the        vertically placed samples produce drips of burning particles        that ignite cotton. Five bar flame out time is the sum of the        flame out time for five bars, each lit twice for a maximum flame        out time of 250 seconds.

A summary of the UL Flame rating criteria is shown below:

t₁ and t₂ 5-bar FOT burning drips V0 <10 <50 no V1 <30 <250 no V2 <30<250 yes N.R. (no rating) >30 >250

The UL rating was assigned based on the testing of 2 sets of 5 bars. Thebest rating of the two sets 5 bars was selected as the rating of thesample in case of a discrepancy.

2. UL 94 VO p(FTP) Flame Testing Procedure:

Statistical flammability testing, UL 94 VO p(FTP), was conducted usingthe standard Underwriters Laboratory UL 94 test method (2 dayconditioning), except that 10 bars rather than the usual 5 bars weretested. Specimens are to be preconditioned in an air-circulating ovenfor 48 hours at 23±1° C. and then cooled in the desiccator for at least4 hours at room temperature, prior to testing. Once removed from thedesiccator, specimens shall be tested within 30 minutes. The data wasanalyzed by calculation of the average flame out time, standarddeviation of the flame out time and the total number of drips.Statistical methods were used to convert the data to a probability thata specific formulation would achieve a first time VO pass or “UL 94 VOp(FTP)” in the standard UL 94 testing of 5 bars. Preferably UL 94 VOp(FTP) values will be 1 or very close to 1 for high confidence that asample formulation would achieve a VO rating in UL 94 testing. In someembodiments a UL 94 VO p(FTP) value below 0.85 was considered too for asample formulation was considered too low to predict a UL 94 rating ofV0 for that formulation. In some embodiments a UL VO p(FTP) rating below0.70 was considered too low to predict a UL 94 rating of V0 for thatformulation. Unless otherwise note all p(FTP) ratings were targeted fora high probability of a UL 94 VO pass at 1.5 mm part thickness.

Materials:

All materials used can be found in the tables below which lists thedescription, manufacturer and tradename. Weight-averaged molecularweight values reported in the Tables below were obtained by gelpermeation chromatography (GPC), using a crosslinkedstyrene-divinylbenzene column and calibrated to polycarbonatereferences. GPC samples are prepared at a concentration of about 1mg/ml, and are eluted at a flow rate of about 1.5 ml/min using methylenechloride as the solvent.

The Table below provides a general description of the materials used inthis disclosure. Further details about titanium dioxide and brominatedFR additives are listed in specific sections in the PROPERTY PERFORMANCEEXAMPLE Sections.

PC 1 BPA polycarbonate SABIC-IP Lexan 105 (Mw = 30,500*) PC 2 BPApolycarbonate SABIC-IP Lexan 175 (Mw = 21,800*) EXL Siloxane blockSABIC-IP opaque co-polycarbonate (20% EXL siloxane, Mw = 30,000*) ClearEXL Siloxane block co-polycarbonate (6 wt % siloxane, Mw = 30,000)Carbon Powder Degussa Printex 85 Black AG Brominated BPA-2,6 TetrabromoBPA SABIC-IP Lexan 105B PC copolycarbonate (26 wt % Bromine atoms; Mw =23,600) KSS Potassium diphenylsulphon-3- Arichem KSS sulphonate LLCRimar salt Potassium perfluorobutane- Lanxess Bayowet sulfonate C4 TSANSAN encapsulated PTFE SABIC-IP TSAN PETS Pentaerythritol tetrastearateFaci PETS G UV 2-(2 hydroxy-3,5 dicumyl) Ciba Tinuvin stabilizerbenzotriazole 234 HEAT Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)- Ciba Irgafos 168STABILIZER phosphate *Molecular weights in g/mol, measured by GPCaccording to a PC standard.Compounding Conditions:

Extrusion for all blends was performed according to the extrusionprofile indicated in the table below. All powders, including mineralfillers and acid (if present), were blended using a paint shaker and fedthrough one feeder. The remaining PC was fed through a second feeder. Incase BPADP was used, this was fed as a masterbatch, blended with pureLX-PC pellets in a separate feeder.

Molding Conditions:

Molding of UL bars in the table below. All other parts were molded onEngel® 75T or 45T molding machine, according to profile M1. For the 1mm, 1.2 mm and 1.5 mm UL bars an end-gated tools were used, while forthe 0.8 mm UL bars a side-gated tool was used.

TABLE E.2 The compounding profile used in this report Extrusion profileProfile — E1  Extrusion line — B25 Temp. feed zone ° C.  40 Temp. zone 1° C. 200 Temp. zone 2 ° C. 250 Temp. zone 3 ° C. 270 Temp. zone 4 ° C.285 Temp. zone 5 ° C. 285 Temp. zone 6 ° C. 285 Temp. zone 7 ° C. 285Temp. zone 8 ° C. 285 Temp. zone 9 ° C. 285 Temp. die ° C. — Screw speedrpm 300 Vacuum bar    0.7

TABLE E.3 The molding profiles used for insert tool molding described inthis report Molding profiles Profile — M1 M2  Molding machine — E45 orE75 E75 Drying time Hr. 2 2 Drying temp. ° C. 120 120 Hopper temp. ° C.40 40 Temp. zone 1 ° C. 280 270 Temp. zone 2 ° C. 290 280 Temp. zone 3 °C. 300 290 Nozzle temp. ° C. 295 285 Mold temp. ° C. 100 100 Backpressure bar 5 5Property Performance Examples:1. Electrical Tracking Resistance/Impact1A. Influence of Titanium Dioxide and Polysiloxane BlockCo-Polycarbonate

Data Table 1 illustrates the affect of titanium dioxide on the impactand electrical tracking resistance when titanium dioxide is present inthe formulation. The type of titanium dioxide used was KRONOS 2450 andis a siloxane coated titanium dioxide.

DATA TABLE 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 PC 1 % 65.85 60.85 55.85 58.35 53.35 48.35 PC 233.6 33.6 33.6 33.6 33.6 33.6 EXL % 7.5 7.5 7.5 TiO2 type 1 % 5 10 5 10TSAN % 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Additives 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25MVR 300° C., 1.2 kg, 5′ cm³/10 min 8.7 14.3 23.1 7.4 8.5 9.0 3 mm INIImpact 23° C. kJ/m² 73 10 7 71 68 62 Impact −30° C. kJ/m² 10 9 7 18 3751 Ductility 23° C. % 100 0 0 100 100 100 Ductility −30° C. % 0 0 0 0 30100 UL94 V0 FOT 1.5 mm sec 48 120 204 27 319 400 pFTP (V0) 1.5 mm — 0.120.00 0.00 0.73 0.00 0.00 CTI Test number of drops 250 V — 100 100 100 62100 100 7 8 9 10 11 12 PC 1 % 53.35 48.35 43.35 48.35 43.35 38.35 PC 233.6 33.6 33.6 33.6 33.6 33.6 EXL % 12.5 12.5 12.5 17.5 17.5 17.5 TiO2type 1 % 5 10 5 10 TSAN % 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Additives 0.25 0.250.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 MVR 300° C., 1.2 kg, 5′ cm³/10 min 7.3 8.0 8.2 6.77.4 7.7 3 mm INI Impact 23° C. kJ/m² 72 67 61 74 68 62 Impact −30° C.kJ/m² 49 60 56 57 62 60 Ductility 23° C. % 100 100 100 100 100 100Ductility −30° C. % 60 100 100 100 100 100 UL94 V0 FOT 1.5 mm sec 20 159489 28 43 133 pFTP (V0) 1.5 mm — 0.98 0.00 0.00 0.84 0.32 0.00 CTI Testnumber of drops 250 V — 70 100 22 30 100

The results show that titanium dioxide does not adversely affect theelectrical tracking resistance even when present at levels as high as 10wt %. Titanium dioxide does adversely affect the impact performance ofthe polycarbonate formulations (Examples 2, and 3 that have 5 wt % and10 wt % titanium dioxide and exhibit loss of room temperature comparedwith example 1 that does not contain titanium dioxide). The addition ofpolysiloxane polycarbonate copolycarbonate (in the table identified asEXL) improves the low temperature ductility (Example 3 with 10 wt %titanium dioxide is not ductile at room temperature or at −30° C. withimpact value of less than 10 kJ/m² of but Example 6 with 10 wt %titanium dioxide and 7.5 wt % EXL is ductile both at room temperatureand at −30° C. with impact values of greater than 50 kJ/m²). Increasingamounts of EXL decreases the electrical tracking resistance and at highloadings of EXL the electrical tracking resistance value falls below the50 drop passing value in the CTI Test (Example 10, 17.5 wt % EXL fallsbelow the 50 drops value in the CTI Test). The presence of titaniumdioxide in the formulations at high EXL loadings improves the electricaltracking resistance (Example 12, 17.5 wt % EXL and 10 wt % titaniumdioxide passes the 50 drops in the CTI Test).

Several different types of titanium dioxide were compared. They arelisted below:

Average Particle Description Size Supplier Grade Name TiO₂ Type 1Titanium dioxide, >100 nm Kronos Kronos 2450 (organic coating) TiO₂ Type2 Titanium dioxide >100 nm Kronos Kronos 2233 (organic coating) TiO2Type 3 Titanium Dioxide >100 nm Millenium/ Tiona RL-91 (organic coating)Crystal TiO₂ Type 4 Titanium dioxide  <50 nm Sachtleben UV-Titan(organic coating) P580 TiO₂ Type 5 Titanium dioxide >350 nm DuPontTiPure R960 (no organic coating)

The formulations included 36.075 wt % PC 1, 36.075 wt % of PC 2, 7.5 wt% of EXL, 10 wt % Brominated PC and 10 wt % of the TiO₂ Type 1 (KRONOS2450). All formulations from the 5 TiO₂ types showed excellent CTI testperformance passing with at least 60 drops. Formulations from Types 1, 2and 3 all showed at least 80% ductility and about 50 or great kJ/m2impact at −30° C. Formulations from Types 4 and 5 however showed theworse low temperature than Types 1, 2 and 3 with 0% ductility and lessthan 30 kJ/m² impact at −30° C. Further balancing of the formulationsmight provide greater low temperature impact for Types 4 and 5.

1B. Influence of Flame Retardant Additives

Data Table 2 below illustrates that titanium dioxide can be used at avariety of levels to achieve electrical tracking resistance incombination with a flame retardancy and low temperature impact. In theseexperiments the titanium dioxide used was TiO₂ Type 2 (KRONOS 2233),which is another type of titanium dioxide having a siloxane coating.

DATA TABLE 2 13 14 15 16 17 PC 1 % 35.92 33.42 30.92 28.42 23.42 PC 2 %35.92 33.42 30.92 28.42 23.42 EXL % 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 TiO2 type 2% 5 10 15 20 30 Br-PC % 10 10 10 10 10 TSAN % 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3Additives % 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 carbon black % 3 mm INI 23° C.Impact kJ/m² 72 66 59 54 42 −30° C. Impact kJ/m² 62 53 49 44 32 23° C.Ductility % 100 100 100 100 100 −30° C. Ductility % 100 100 100 100 60UL94 V0 1.5 mm FOT sec 14 19 14 16 14 1.5 mm pFTP (V0) — 1.00 1.00 1.001.00 1.00 CTI Test 250 V drops 100 100 100 100 100

Examples 13-17 illustrate that low temperature impact and electricaltracking resistance can be achieved for formulations that contain from5-20% titanium dioxide in combination with a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate and a brominated polycarbonate flame retardant.Examples 13-16 exhibit more than 50 drop performance and pass the CTItest with 100% ductility and with an impact of 40 kJ/m² or greater at−30° C. Furthermore molded parts from these formulations exhibitoutstanding flame retardant properties having UL 94 VO p(FTP) values of1.00 predicting a very high probability of a UL 94 V0 rating at 1.5 mmExample 17 with 30% titanium dioxide illustrates that while excellentelectrical tracking resistance (greater than 50 drop in the CTI test)and excellent flame retardant properties (pFTP value of 1.00) areretained the low temperature impact deteriorates significantly comparedwith Examples 13-16 (only 60% ductility and impact of 32 kJ/m²).

1C. Influence of Fluorinated Polyolefin

The electrical tracking resistance and impact performance offormulations having 5 wt % titanium dioxide, TiO₂ Type 1 (KRONOS 2450)and Type 2 (KRONOS 2233) in combination with polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate and fluorinated polyolefin was also evaluated. Theresults are listed in Data Table 3.

DATA TABLE 3 18 19 20 21 22 PC 1 % 40.925 40.775 35.92 31.07 35.92 PC 2% 40.925 40.775 35.92 31.07 35.92 EXL % 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 TiO2type 1 % 5 5 TiO2 type 2 % 5 5 5 Br-PC % 10 20 10 TSAN % 0.3 0.3 PTFE %0.3 Additives % 0.65 0.65 0.36 0.36 0.36 3 mm INI Impact 23° C. kJ/m² 6365 71 70 64 Impact −30° C. kJ/m² 54 52 60 57 41 Ductility 23° C. % 100100 100 100 100 Ductility −30° C. % 100 100 100 100 0 UL94 V0 FOT 5 bars1.5 mm sec 275 360 29 17 21 pFTP (V0) 1.5 mm — 0.00 0.00 0.52 1.00 0.94CTI Test 250 V drops 96 100 100 100 91

The results from examples 19 and 20 illustrate that the presence of aSAN encapsulated fluorinated polyolefin (T-SAN) does not significantlyaffect the electrical tracking resistance or ductility of formulationscontaining 5 wt % titanium dioxide and 12.5 wt % polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate. Example 18 (without T-SAN) and example 19 (with T-San)showed nearly identical results in the CTI Test and with 100% ductilityand with greater than 50 kJ/m2 impact values.

The CTI testing results for two different types of fluorinatedpolyolefins were also compared. Examples 20 was formulated using SANencapsulated fluorinated polyolefin (TSAN) in earlier section this iscalled TSAN, used consistent naming while Example 22 used a fluorinatedpolyolefin that did not have SAN encapsulation. Both Examples showedexcellent electrical tracking resistance indicating that trackingresistance did not depend on the type of fluorinated polyolefin chosen.The low temperature ductility of the TSAN examples was better than thefluorinated polyolefin however. The UL 94 VO UL 94 VO p(FTP) values forthe non-encapsulated fluorinated polyolefin was better (Example 22, UL94 VO p(FTP)=0.94) than the encapsulated polyolefin (Example 20, UL 94VO p(FTP)=0.52). The results in this and other Tables suggest thatcareful balancing of titanium dioxide, polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate and the brominated flame retardant with thenon-encapsulated fluorinated polyolefin may provide a formulation thatpasses the CTI Test and impact and flame performance.

1D. Influence of Additives.

The influence of polycarbonate additives on the electrical trackingresistance and low temperature impact was also evaluated. The resultsare shown in Data Table 4.

DATA TABLE 4 23 24 PC 1 % 36.075 36.25 PC 2 % 36.075 36.25 EXL % 7.5 7.5TiO2 type 2 % 10 10 Br-PC % 10 10 Additives % 0.35 3 mm INI Impact 23°C. kJ/m² 66 67 Impact −30° C. kJ/m² 55 56 Ductility 23° C. % 100 100Ductility −30° C. % 100 100 CTI Test 250 V drops 100 100

The additives included a mold release and a thermal stabilizer.Comparing two formulations one with the polycarbonate additives (Example23) and one without the polycarbonate additives (Example 24) showed nodifference in electrical tracking resistance (greater than 50 drops inthe CTI Test) or low temperature impact (100% ductility and greater than60 kJ/m2 impact).

2. Electrical Tracking Resistance/FR

2A. Halogenated Organic Flame Retardant Additive Types.

Data Tables 5 and 6 summarize experiments comparing different types ofbrominated and chlorinated organic flame retardant additives.

DATA TABLE 5 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 9105 PC 1 % 40.77 40.62 40.72 40.2738.77 35.77 30.77 9175 PC 2 % 40.77 40.62 40.72 40.27 38.77 35.77 30.77661 EXL % 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 080 TiO2 type 1 % 5 5 5 5 55 5 0895 TiO2 type 2 % 411 KSS % 0.3 4455 Rimar % 0.1 422 Br-PC (~26%Br) % 1 4 10 20 BC52 Br-oligomer (~52%Br) % 4223 Br-Acrylate (~72% Br) %E383128 Br-Epoxy 1 (~50% Br) % E383130 Br-Epoxy 2 (~50% Br) % E383131Br-Epoxy 3 (~60% Br) % E383132 Br-Epoxy 4 (~56% Br) % E383133 Br-Epoxy 5(~52% Br) % E381780 Br-phthalimide (67% Br) % 139 Chlorinatedphthalocyanide 271 PMHS % 449 TSAN % 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3Additives % 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.66 wt-% Br % 0.3 1.0 2.6 5.23 mm INI Impact 23° C. kJ/m² 64 63 67 62 62 61 Impact −30° C. kJ/m² 5354 53 48 44 20 Ductility 23° C. % 100 100 100 100 100 100 Ductility −30°C. % 100 100 100 100 80 0 UL94 V0 FOT 5 bars 1.5 mm sec 293 51 185 117109 28 11 pFTP (V0) 1.5 mm — 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.57 1.00 UL94 V0FOT 5 bars 0.8 mm sec pFTP (V0) 0.8 mm — CTI Test 250 V drops 59 27 1598 84 100 100 32 33 34 35 36 37 9105 PC 1 % 20.77 35.925 35.775 35.87538.425 38.925 9175 PC 2 % 20.77 35.925 35.775 35.875 38.425 38.925 661EXL % 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 080 TiO2 type 1 % 5 0895 TiO2 type 2% 5 5 5 5 5 411 KSS % 0.3 4455 Rimar % 0.1 422 Br-PC (~26% Br) % 40 1010 10 BC52 Br-oligomer (~52%Br) % 5 4223 Br-Acrylate (~72% Br) % 4E383128 Br-Epoxy 1 (~50% Br) % E383130 Br-Epoxy 2 (~50% Br) % E383131Br-Epoxy 3 (~60% Br) % E383132 Br-Epoxy 4 (~56% Br) % E383133 Br-Epoxy 5(~52% Br) % E381780 Br-phthalimide (67% Br) % 139 Chlorinatedphthalocyanide 271 PMHS % 449 TSAN % 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Additives %0.66 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 wt-% Br % 10.4 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.9 3 mmINI Impact 23° C. kJ/m² 51 72 73 72 66 71 Impact −30° C. kJ/m² 13 62 5353 55 62 Ductility 23° C. % 100 100 100 100 100 100 Ductility −30° C. %0 100 100 100 100 100 UL94 V0 FOT 5 bars 1.5 mm sec 11 14 14 15 12 18pFTP (V0) 1.5 mm — 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.98 UL94 V0 FOT 5 bars 0.8mm sec 35 16 33 22 pFTP (V0) 0.8 mm — 0.71 1.00 0.86 0.97 CTI Test 250 Vdrops 15 100 80 46 100 100

DATA TABLE 6 38 39 40 41 42 43 PC 1 % 38.325 38.325 38.775 38.625 38.42538.975 PC 2 % 38.325 38.325 38.775 38.625 38.425 40.675 EXL % 12.5 12.512.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 TiO2 type 1 % TiO2 type 2 % 5 5 5 5 5 5 KSS % Rimar% Br-PC (~26% Br) % Br-oligomer (~52% Br) % Br-Acrylate (~72% Br) %Br-Epoxy 1 (~50% Br) % 5.2 Br-Epoxy 2 (~50% Br) % 5.2 Br-Epoxy 3 (~60%Br) % 4.3 Br-Epoxy 4 (~56% Br) % 4.6 Br-Epoxy 5 (~52% Br) % 5Br-phthalimide (67% Br) % 3.9 TSAN % 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Additives %0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 wt-% Br % 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 3 mm INIImpact 23° C. kJ/m² Impact −30° C. kJ/m² Ductility 23° C. % Ductility−30° C. % 4 mm INI Impact 23° C. kJ/m² 86 86 84 85 87 72 Impact −30° C.kJ/m² 22 25 40 30 53 27 Ductility 23° C. % 100 100 100 100 100 100Ductility −30° C. % 0 0 50 0 90 0 UL94 V0 FOT 5 bars 1.5 mm sec 11 13 55 7 7 pFTP (V0) 1.5 mm — 1.00 0.86 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 UL94 V0 FOT 5bars 0.8 mm sec pFTP (V0) 0.8 mm — CTI Test 250 V drops 100 100 100 100100 100

Details regarding the types of brominated flame retardant additives usedin Data Table 5 and Data Table 6 are listed in the Table below.

chemical name wt-% Br MW CAS# supplier tradename TBBPA-BPA copolymer 26%Mw = 23600 156042-31-8 SABIC IP PC105B TBBPA oligomer (pentamer) 52%oligomer 94334-64-2 Chemtura BC52 Poly(pentabromobenzylacrylate) 72%oligomer 59447-57-3 ICL Industrial FR-1025 Brominated Epoxy 49-51% 1,00068928-70-1 ICL Industrial F-2001 Brominated Epoxy Oligomer 50% 1,60068928-70-1 ICL Industrial F-2016 End-capped Brominated Epoxy 60% 1,400158725-44-1 ICL Industrial F-3014 End-capped Brominated Epoxy 56% 2,000135229-48-0 ICL Industrial F-3020 Brominated Epoxy Polymer 52-54% 15,000135229-48-0 ICL Industrial F-3100 1,2-bis(tetrabromophthalimido)ethane67% 951 32588-76-4 ALbemarle Saytex BT-93

In Examples 28-32 the amount of a brominated polycarbonate was increasedfrom 1 wt % to 40 wt % (from 0.26 wt % to 10.4 wt % bromine atoms). Asthe brominated polycarbonate increased the flame performance alsoimproved from an UL 94 VO p(FTP) value of 0 at 1 wt % to a UL 94 VOp(FTP) value of 1.00 at 20 wt % and 40 wt %. The electrical trackingresistance significantly dropped however at 40 wt % (Example 32 failedthe CTI test at only 15 drops).

As shown in Data Table 5 and 6 many other types of brominatedflame-retardants were also found to pass CTI and flame testing. Theyincluded a brominated polycarbonate oligomer and a brominatedpolyacrylate (Examples 36 and 37), brominated epoxies (Examples 38-42)and a brominated phthalimide (Example 43). The electrical resistancetesting and flame testing of the brominated flame retardants describedin the formulations above suggest that a wide variety of brominatedflame retardants could be employed to produce formulations that possessboth flame performance and good electrical tracking resistance.Furthermore the results also suggest careful balancing of the amount ofbrominated flame retardant used with other elements in the formulationincluding the type and amount of titanium dioxide, and polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate content could provide formulations that possessdesirable electrical tracking resistance, flame retardancy at 1.5 mm orless and low temperature impact performance.

2B. Flame Retardant Salt Additives.

The results in Data Table 5 above suggest that flame retardant saltadditives such as potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (Rimar salt) andpotassium diphenylsulfone-3-sulfonate (KSS) have a negative effect onelectrical tracking resistance performance. Examples 26 and 27 usingRimar and KSS flame retardants respectively have failing CTI Testresults at 27 and 15 drops. Example 35 suggests however that bothdesirable electrical tracking resistance and flame retardance might beachieved by using combinations of brominated flame retardants with flameretardant salts.

2C. Thin Wall Flame Performance

The results in Data Table 5 also show that thin wall flame VOperformance may be achieved even at 0.8 mm part thickness in addition to1.5 mm part thickness while maintaining electric tracking resistanceperformance. Examples 33 and 34 and 37 illustrate that a brominatedpolycarbonate and a brominated polycarbonate in combination with KSS ora brominates acrylate flame retardant have V0 UL 94 VO p(FTP) values ofat least 0.70 at 0.8 mm thickness and UL 94 VO p(FTP) values around 1.00at 1.5 mm thickness while passing the CTI Test. These samples alsoshowed excellent low temperature impact resistance having 100% ductilityand greater than 50 kJ/m2 impact at −30 C.

2D. Influence of Polysiloxane Block Co-Polycarbonate Type.

Data Table 7 below illustrates the influence of polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate type on the flame retardant and electrical trackingresistance properties of polycarbonate formulations.

DATA TABLE 7 44 45 PC 1 % 35.77 21.34 PC 2 % 35.77 21.34 EXL % 12.5Clear EXL % 41.66 TiO2 type 2 % 5 5 Br-PC % 10 10 TSAN % 0.3 0.3Additives % 0.36 0.36 % Si % 2.5 2.5 3 mm INI Impact 23° C. kJ/m² 72 62Impact −30° C. kJ/m² 62 24 Ductility 23° C. % 100 100 Ductility −30° C.% 100 0 UL94 V0 FOT 5 bars 1.5 mm sec 14 12 pFTP (V0) 1.5 mm — 1.00 1.00CTI 250 V Drops 100 100

The polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate labeled “EXL” in the table aboveis a 20 wt % siloxane containing co-polycarbonate made using interfacialpolymerization conditions. The polysiloxane block co-polycarbonatelabeled “Clear EXL” is about a 6 wt % siloxane containingco-polycarbonate made using interfacial polymerization conditions.Examples 44 and 45 in the Data Table 7 above contain about the sameamount of siloxane in the formulations (about 2.5 wt %) based on thetotal weight of the formulation. Both polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate types produce excellent flame performance at 1.5 mmthickness with UL 94 VO p(FTP) values of 1.00 and also both pass the CTITest. The “EXL” polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate seems to providebetter impact performance but further optimization of the “Clear EXL”formulation might be expected to provide improvements in impactperformance

3. Electrical Tracking Resistance/Impact/FR

3A. Balance of Composition Elements in the Formulation

The formulation elements described in Sections 2 and 3 of the ExamplesSection above that produced polycarbonate compositions having electricaltracking resistance and low temperature impact or electrical trackingresistance and FR performance can be combined to produce polycarbonatecompositions having the combination of electrical tracking resistance,FR performance and low temperature impact. Some of these combinationsare described in the Data Table 8 below:

DATA TABLE 8 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 PC 1 % 29.52 38.52 33.52 35.9233.42 30.92 28.42 23.42 PC 2 % 29.52 38.52 33.52 35.92 33.42 30.92 28.4223.42 EXL % 10 20 20 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 TiO2 type 2 % 10 10 5 1015 20 30 Br-PC % 20 2 2 10 10 10 10 10 TSAN % 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.30.3 0.3 Additives % 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 carbon black% 3 mm INI 23° C. Impact kJ/m² 67 84 69 72 66 59 54 42 −30° C. ImpactkJ/m² 41 75 64 62 53 49 44 32 23° C. Ductility % 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 −30° C. Ductility % 80 100 100 100 100 100 100 60 UL94 V0 1.5 mmFOT sec 11 22 113 14 19 14 16 14 1.5 mm pFTP (V0) — 1.00 1.00 0.00 1.001.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 CTI Test 250 V drops 100 29 100 100 100 100 100 100

The polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate in the formulation labeled asEXL in Data Table 8 above provides low temperature impact to thecompositions but can reduce the electrical tracking resistance of theformulations as illustrated by Examples 47. The electrical trackingresistance can be improved by the presence of titanium dioxide asillustrated by Examples 46 and 48. The amount of Brominated PC isimportant for FR performance and at low levels (for example 2 wt %) asin Example 48 low UL 94 VO p(FTP) values can result (UL 94 VOp(FTP)=0.00) even when titanium dioxide is present. Increasing theamount of polysiloxane polycarbonate in the formulation helps the flameperformance (Example 47) but hurts the electrical tracking resistance asstated above. The amount of titanium dioxide if increased to 30% canhurt the low temperature impact performance even when the electricaltracking resistance and flame performance are achieved as illustrated inExample 53.

While many possible combinations of titanium dioxide, brominated organicflame retardant, polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate can be employed tomeet the desired combinations of electrical tracking resistance, lowtemperature impact and FR performance, one of the preferred ranges thatis suggested from the Data Tables is:

Titanium Dioxide: 5-25 wt %

Polycarbonate Polysiloxane Copolymer: 10-20 wt %

Brominated Polycarbonate: 2-20 wt % (0.5 wt %-5.2 wt % Bromine atoms)

3B. Carbon Black

Data Table 9 below illustrates that carbon black may also be present insome of the formulations that possess the desirable balance ofelectrical tracking resistance, low temperature impact and FRperformance

DATA TABLE 9 54 55 56 57 PC 1 % 38.27 33.145 31.895 30.645 PC 2 % 38.2733.145 31.895 30.645 EXL % 10 15 17.5 20 TiO2 type 2 10 7.5 7.5 7.5Br-PC 2 10 10 10 TSAN 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Additives % 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.66Carbon Black 0.5 0.25 0.25 0.25 5 7 8 9 3 mm INI Impact 23° C. kJ/m² 7268 67 69 Impact −30° C. kJ/m² 50 50 52 53 Ductility 23° C. % 100 100 100100 Ductility −30° C. % 100 100 100 100 UL94 V0 FOT 5 bars 1.5 mm sec 1824 22 22 pFTP (V0) 1.5 mm — 0.98 0.85 0.98 0.95 CTI Test 250 V Drops 100100 100 100

The results for Examples 54-57 in the Table above show that at levels of0.25 and 0.5 wt % in formulations within one of the preferred ranges oftitanium dioxide, brominated polycarbonate and polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate as described in section 3A above, carbon black (inthese examples a conductive carbon black was used) does not adverselyaffect the balance of electrical tracking resistance (100 drops in theCTI Test), low temperature ductility (100% ductilility with impact of atleast 50 kJ/m2 at −30 C) and flame retardance (at least a V0 UL 94 VOp(FTP)=0.85 at 1.5 mm thickness).

3C. Thin Wall FR Performance.

Data Table 10 below shows that brominated organic flame retardants andeven combinations of brominated organic flame retardants and salt flameretardants can provide thin wall FR performance at 1.5 mm and 0.8 mmthicknesses while retaining the desired electrical tracking resistanceand low temperature impact performance of polycarbonate compositions.

DATA TABLE 10 58 59 60 PC 1 % 35.925 35.775 38.925 PC 2 % 35.925 35.77538.925 EXL % 12.5 12.5 12.5 TiO2 type 2 % 5 5 5 KSS % 0.3 Br-PC (~26%Br) % 10 10 Br-Acrylate (~72% Br) % 4 TSAN % 0.3 0.3 0.3 Additives %0.35 0.35 0.35 wt-% Br % 2.6 2.6 2.9 3 mm INI Impact 23° C. kJ/m² 72 7371 Impact −30° C. kJ/m² 62 53 62 Ductility 23° C. % 100 100 100Ductility −30° C. % 100 100 100 UL94 V0 FOT 5 bars 1.5 mm sec 14 14 18pFTP (V0) 1.5 mm — 1.00 1.00 0.98 UL94 V0 FOT 5 bars 0.8 mm sec 35 16 22pFTP (V0) 0.8 mm — 0.71 1.00 0.97 CTI Test 250 V drops 100 80 100

Examples 58-60 provide electrical tracking resistance (at least 80 dropsin the CTI Test) and low temperature impact resistance (100% ductilityand impact values of at least 50 kJ/m² at −30 C) and thin wall FRperformance (UL 94 VO) p(FTP) values 1.00 at 1.5 mm thickness and atleast 0.70 at 0.8 mm part thickness.

We claim:
 1. A composition comprising, based on the total weight of thecomposition: a polycarbonate that is not a polysiloxaneblock-co-polycarbonate; 7.5 to 25 wt % of a polysiloxane blockco-polycarbonate; 5 to 15 wt % of a transition metal oxide comprising atleast one of chromium dioxide and titanium dioxide; optionally abrominated organic flame retardant effective to provide 2 to 6 wt % ofbromine atoms; optionally 0.1 to 0.5 wt % of a fluorinated polyolefin;optionally an additive that imparts a desired performance property; andoptionally a carbon black containing material, wherein the polysiloxaneblock co-polycarbonate is derived from Bisphenol-A or a dihydroxyaromatic compound, and a polysiloxane bisphenol having the structure 3:

wherein each R is independently a C₁-C₃₀ aliphatic or an aromatic groupor a combination of said aliphatic or said aromatic groups, each R³ isindependently a divalent C₂₋₈ aliphatic group, M is the same ordifferent, and is a halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁₋₈ alkylthio, C₁₋₈ alkyl,C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyloxy group, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₈cycloalkoxy, C₆₋₁₀ aryl, C₆₋₁₀ aryloxy, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₇₋₁₂arylalkoxy, C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryl, or C₇₋₁₂ alkylaryloxy, wherein each n isindependently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 and wherein E has an average value of 20to 100 and wherein the composition has a notched izod impact at −30° C.of at least 35 kJ/m² at a thickness of 3.0 mm according to ISO-180standard with a 5.5 J hammer and further wherein the composition doesnot show tracking through at least 50 drops of a 0.1% aqueous ammoniumchloride at 250V according to ASTM D-3638.
 2. The composition of claim1, wherein the polycarbonate is derived from a bisphenol comprisingBisphenol-A.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the average value ofE of the structure 1 is 20 to
 60. 4. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe average value of E of the structure 1 is 30 to
 50. 5. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the transition metal oxide is a titaniumdioxide and optionally wherein the titanium dioxide has an averageparticle size is greater than 50 nm and less than 350 nm.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 5, wherein the titanium dioxide is an inorganiccoated titanium dioxide without an organic coating.
 7. The compositionof claim 5, wherein the titanium dioxide is an organic coated titaniumdioxide with an organic coating.
 8. The composition of claim 7, whereinthe organic coating is a polysiloxane coating.
 9. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the transitional metal oxide is chromium dioxide. 10.The composition of claim 1, wherein said transitional metal oxide istitanium dioxide with an average particle size of greater than or equalto 100 nm and less than 350 nm.
 11. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate is derived from Bisphenol-A or adihydroxy aromatic compound, and a polysiloxane bisphenol having thestructure

wherein E has an average value of 35 to
 55. 12. The composition of claim5, wherein the polysiloxane block co-polycarbonate is derived fromBisphenol-A or a dihydroxy aromatic compound, and a polysiloxanebisphenol having the structure

wherein E has an average value of 35 to
 55. 13. The composition of claim1, wherein the wt % of the carbon black in the composition is less than1 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.
 14. The compositionof claim 1, wherein the wt % of the carbon black in the composition isless than 0.5 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.
 15. Anarticle of manufacture comprising the composition of claim
 1. 16. Aninsulating material comprising the composition of claim
 1. 17. Thearticle of claim 15, wherein said article is selected from at least oneof the following: a solar apparatus, an electrical junction box, anelectrical connector, an electrical vehicle charger, an outdoorelectrical enclosure, a smart meter enclosure, a smart grid power node,a photovoltaic frame and a miniature circuit breaker.
 18. A junction boxhousing comprising the composition of claim
 1. 19. A method ofcontrolling the tracking of an electrical current of an article ofmanufacture containing a polycarbonate containing material, the methodcomprising: providing a composition of claim 1; and processing saidcomposition to form an article of manufacture.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein said article is selected from at least one of the following:a solar apparatus, an electrical junction box, an electrical connector,an electrical vehicle charger, an outdoor electrical enclosure, a smartmeter enclosure, a smart grid power node, a photovoltaic frame and aminiature circuit breaker.